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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Richmond

California
161

Ontario is 6% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,916/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↓ 1%
$82,806/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 9%
$568,000 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 14%
$1,967/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 2%
178,347
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,232/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Richmond — common questions

Is Ontario or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Richmond?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Richmond?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $7,232/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ontario details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Richmond

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell