Cost of Living: Ontario, CA vs Elk Grove, CA (2026)

Ontario

California
152
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Ontario is 10% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,916/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 14%
$82,806/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 48%
$568,000 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 6%
$1,967/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 13%
178,347
Population
177,221

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $264/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $3,168/year.

Median household income is $39,423/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Ontario or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $264/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $39,423/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Ontario or Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ontario details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Elk Grove

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Ontario vs. Shreveport Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Elk Grove vs. Chattanooga