Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Fontana

California
146

Jersey City and Fontana have a similar cost of living.

$1,902/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 9%
$94,813/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 4%
$534,500 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 4%
$2,006/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ≈ Same
289,691
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $3,374/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Jersey City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Fontana — common questions

Is Jersey City 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 Jersey City and Fontana?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Fontana?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $3,374/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Fontana details →

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