Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Fontana

California
146

Mesa is 27% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,478/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 17%
$78,779/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 25%
$364,300 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 53%
$1,404/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 42%
507,478
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $255/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $3,060/year.

Median household income is $19,408/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Fontana — common questions

Is Mesa or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Fontana?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $255/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Fontana?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $19,408/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Fontana details →

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