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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Fontana is 22% more expensive than Tempe.

$1,733/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 6%
$98,187/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 21%
$558,500 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 24%
$1,990/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 22%
211,921
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $110/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $1,320/year.

Median household income is $20,544/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Tempe — common questions

Is Fontana or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Tempe?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $110/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Tempe?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $20,544/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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Tempe details →

More Comparisons

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