Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Fontana is 25% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$1,733/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 23%
$98,187/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 24%
$558,500 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$495,700 ↓ 11%
$1,990/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 30%
211,921
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $390/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $4,680/year.

Median household income is $23,262/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Fontana or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $390/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $23,262/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Salt Lake City

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