Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Vancouver, WA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Fontana is 19% more expensive than Vancouver.

$1,733/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 6%
$98,187/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↓ 20%
$558,500 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$440,300 ↓ 21%
$1,990/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 19%
211,921
Population
192,696

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Vancouver, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $20,031/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Vancouver residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Fontana or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vancouver is cheaper to live in with an index of 123 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Vancouver?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Vancouver?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $20,031/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Vancouver details →

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