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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Fontana

California
146

Modesto is 18% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,609/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 8%
$77,899/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 26%
$415,600 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 34%
$1,613/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 23%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $124/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $1,488/year.

Median household income is $20,288/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Fontana — common questions

Is Modesto or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Fontana?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $124/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Fontana?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $20,288/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 Modesto or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

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