Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Sunnyvale, CA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Fontana is 57% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,733/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 77%
$98,187/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 85%
$558,500 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 225%
$1,990/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 52%
211,921
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,332/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $15,984/year.

Median household income is $83,675/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Fontana or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,332/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $83,675/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Sunnyvale

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston