Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Fontana is 16% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,733/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 11%
$98,187/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 5%
$558,500 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 29%
$1,990/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 20%
211,921
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $4,816/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Surprise — common questions

Is Fontana or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Surprise?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Surprise?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $4,816/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Surprise

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite