Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Fontana

California
146

Raleigh is 25% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,468/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 18%
$82,424/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 19%
$377,800 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 48%
$1,487/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 34%
470,763
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $265/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $3,180/year.

Median household income is $15,763/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Fontana — common questions

Is Raleigh or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Fontana?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $265/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Fontana?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $15,763/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Fontana details →

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