Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Fontana

California
146

Riverside and Fontana have a similar cost of living.

$1,812/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 4%
$88,575/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 11%
$542,100 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 3%
$1,880/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 6%
316,241
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $9,612/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Fontana — common questions

Is Riverside or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Fontana?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Fontana?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $9,612/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Fontana details →

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