Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Fontana is 15% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,733/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 27%
$98,187/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 9%
$558,500 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 10%
$1,990/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 18%
211,921
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $474/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $5,688/year.

Median household income is $9,287/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Stamford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Stamford — common questions

Is Fontana or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Stamford?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $474/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Stamford?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $9,287/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

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