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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Fontana

California
146

Irvine is 75% more expensive than Fontana.

$2,893/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 40%
$129,647/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↓ 24%
$1,115,400 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 50%
$2,904/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↓ 31%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,160/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $13,920/year.

Median household income is $31,460/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Fontana — common questions

Is Irvine or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Fontana?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $1,160/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Fontana?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $31,460/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Fontana details →

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