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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Fontana

California
146

Pittsburgh is 48% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,221/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 42%
$64,137/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 53%
$193,200 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 189%
$1,136/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 75%
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $512/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $6,144/year.

Median household income is $34,050/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Fontana — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Fontana?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $512/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Fontana?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $34,050/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 Pittsburgh or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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.
View Pittsburgh details → View Fontana details →

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