Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Fontana

California
146

Gilbert and Fontana have a similar cost of living.

$2,028/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 15%
$121,351/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↓ 19%
$518,600 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 8%
$1,908/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 4%
271,118
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $295/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $3,540/year.

Median household income is $23,164/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Fontana — common questions

Is Gilbert or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Fontana?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $295/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Fontana?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $23,164/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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.
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