Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Fontana is 46% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,733/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 24%
$98,187/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 35%
$558,500 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 37%
$1,990/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 31%
211,921
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $422/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $5,064/year.

Median household income is $34,287/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Fontana or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Wilmington?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $422/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Wilmington?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $34,287/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Wilmington details →

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