Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Fontana is 23% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$1,733/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 1%
$98,187/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 29%
$558,500 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 34%
$1,990/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 16%
211,921
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $28,926/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Fontana or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $28,926/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and West Palm Beach

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings