Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Fontana is 40% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,733/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 18%
$98,187/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 31%
$558,500 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 39%
$1,990/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 24%
211,921
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $30,643/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Worcester — common questions

Is Fontana or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Worcester?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Worcester?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $30,643/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Worcester details →

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