Cost of Living: Ontario, CA vs Palmdale, CA (2026)

Ontario

California
152
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Ontario is 17% more expensive than Palmdale.

$1,916/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↓ 9%
$82,806/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↓ 2%
$568,000 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$435,300 ↓ 23%
$1,967/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↓ 7%
178,347
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $180/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $2,160/year.

Median household income is $1,655/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Ontario or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Palmdale?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $180/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Palmdale?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $1,655/year higher in Ontario.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ontario details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Palmdale

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona