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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Fontana

California
146

Oakland is 34% more expensive than Fontana.

$1,917/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 10%
$97,369/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$98,187/yr ≈ Same
$924,700 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 40%
$2,164/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↓ 8%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $818/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Fontana — common questions

Is Oakland or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Fontana?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Fontana?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $818/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 Oakland or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Fontana

Oakland vs. Miami Oakland vs. Minneapolis Oakland vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Tulsa Oakland vs. Long Beach Oakland vs. Bakersfield Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester