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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Torrance

California
218

Ontario is 30% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,916/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 16%
$82,806/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 37%
$568,000 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 82%
$1,967/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 17%
178,347
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $30,299/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Torrance — common questions

Is Ontario or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Torrance?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Torrance?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $30,299/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ontario details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Torrance

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco