Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Fontana

California
146

Los Angeles is 28% more expensive than Fontana.

$1,879/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 8%
$80,366/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 22%
$879,500 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 36%
$2,055/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↓ 3%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $17,821/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Fontana — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Fontana?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Fontana?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $17,821/year higher in Fontana.
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 Los Angeles or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Fontana details →

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