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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Ventura

California
183

Fontana is 20% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,733/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 21%
$98,187/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 2%
$558,500 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 39%
$1,990/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 6%
211,921
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $2,220/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Ventura — common questions

Is Fontana or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Ventura?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Ventura?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $2,220/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Ventura details →

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