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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Fontana

California
146

Fresno is 31% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,324/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 31%
$66,804/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 47%
$348,500 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 60%
$1,391/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 43%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $409/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $4,908/year.

Median household income is $31,383/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Fontana — common questions

Is Fresno or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Fontana?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $409/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Fontana?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $31,383/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fresno or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Fontana details →

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