Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Fontana is 52% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,733/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 72%
$98,187/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 77%
$558,500 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 174%
$1,990/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 53%
211,921
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,252/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $15,024/year.

Median household income is $75,483/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Fontana or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,252/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $75,483/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Santa Clara

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville