Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Fontana

California
146

Philadelphia is 42% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,323/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 31%
$60,698/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 62%
$232,400 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 140%
$1,233/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 61%
1,582,432
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $37,489/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Fontana — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Fontana?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Fontana?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $37,489/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and California?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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