Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Fontana

California
146

Honolulu is 20% more expensive than Fontana.

$1,783/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 3%
$85,428/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 15%
$834,100 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 33%
$1,809/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 10%
346,323
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $12,759/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Hawaii has a lower income tax rate, making Honolulu slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Fontana — common questions

Is Honolulu or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Fontana?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Fontana?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $12,759/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and California?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/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 Honolulu details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

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