Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Fontana is 139% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,733/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 45%
$98,187/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 33%
$558,500 ↑ 260%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 72%
$1,990/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 51%
211,921
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $788/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $9,456/year.

Median household income is $32,650/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Springfield — common questions

Is Fontana or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Springfield?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $788/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Springfield?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $32,650/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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