Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Fontana

California
146

Indianapolis is 49% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,112/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 56%
$62,995/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 56%
$207,000 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 170%
$1,124/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 77%
882,043
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $621/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $7,452/year.

Median household income is $35,192/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Fontana — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Fontana?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $621/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Fontana?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $35,192/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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 Indianapolis details → View Fontana details →

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