Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Salinas, CA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Salinas

California
156

Fontana is 6% cheaper than Salinas.

$1,733/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,923/mo ↑ 11%
$98,187/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$89,150/yr ↓ 9%
$558,500 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$610,900 ↑ 9%
$1,990/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,912/mo ↓ 4%
211,921
Population
161,993

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Salinas, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 156 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $190/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $2,280/year.

Median household income is $9,037/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $610,900 in Salinas.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Salinas — common questions

Is Fontana or Salinas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Salinas?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Salinas it's $1,923/month — a difference of $190/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Salinas?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $89,150 in Salinas. Median household income is $9,037/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Salinas?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Salinas has a cost index of 156 with rent of $1,923/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Salinas details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Salinas

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Salinas vs. Palmdale Salinas vs. Hayward Salinas vs. Springfield Salinas vs. Corona Salinas vs. Fort Collins Salinas vs. Paterson