Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Fontana is 16% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,733/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 5%
$98,187/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 11%
$558,500 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 18%
$1,990/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 19%
211,921
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $11,208/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Sparks — common questions

Is Fontana or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Sparks?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Sparks?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $11,208/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

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