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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Fontana

California
146

Newark is 32% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,330/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 30%
$48,416/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 103%
$337,800 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 65%
$1,419/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 40%
307,188
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

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $403/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $4,836/year.

Median household income is $49,771/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Fontana — common questions

Is Newark or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Fontana?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $403/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Fontana?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $49,771/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 Newark or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Fontana details →

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