Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Fontana

California
146

San Diego is 35% more expensive than Fontana.

$2,223/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 22%
$104,321/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↓ 6%
$848,500 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 34%
$2,308/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↓ 14%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $6,134/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Fontana — common questions

Is San Diego or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Fontana?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Fontana?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $6,134/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Fontana details →

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