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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Fontana

California
146

Fremont is 90% more expensive than Fontana.

$2,905/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 40%
$176,350/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↓ 44%
$1,289,400 ↑ 131%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 57%
$3,000/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↓ 34%
228,518
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,172/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $14,064/year.

Median household income is $78,163/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Fontana — common questions

Is Fremont or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Fontana?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $1,172/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Fontana?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $78,163/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fremont details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

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