Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Fontana

California
146

New Orleans is 38% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,211/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 43%
$55,339/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 77%
$296,400 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 88%
$1,274/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 56%
376,035
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $522/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $6,264/year.

Median household income is $42,848/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Fontana — common questions

Is New Orleans or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Fontana?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $522/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Fontana?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $42,848/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and California?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 New Orleans details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Fontana

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