Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Fontana

California
146

Richmond is 33% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,314/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 32%
$62,671/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 57%
$328,100 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 70%
$1,374/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 45%
227,595
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $35,516/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Fontana — common questions

Is Richmond or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Fontana?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Fontana?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $35,516/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Fontana details →

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