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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Torrance

California
218

Fontana is 33% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,733/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 28%
$98,187/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 15%
$558,500 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 86%
$1,990/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 15%
211,921
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $481/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $5,772/year.

Median household income is $14,918/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Torrance — common questions

Is Fontana or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Torrance?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $481/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Torrance?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $14,918/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

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Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco