Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Fontana

California
146

Reno is 16% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,453/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 19%
$78,448/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 25%
$498,600 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 12%
$1,482/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 34%
268,959
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $19,739/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Fontana — common questions

Is Reno or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Fontana?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Fontana?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $19,739/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Fontana details →

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