Fontana, CA vs Santa Maria, CA: 146 vs 137

$1,733/mo ↓ 6%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 6%

$98,187/yr ↑ 16%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↓ 14%

$558,500 ↑ 17%

Home Value

$478,200 ↓ 14%

$1,990/mo ↑ 11%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↓ 10%

211,921

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $13,570/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Fontana or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 146 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Fontana and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $109/month.

Which city has higher income, Fontana or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $13,570/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 Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Fontana

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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