Santa Ana, CA vs Fontana, CA: 163 vs 146

$1,975/mo ↑ 14%

Median Rent

$1,733/mo ↓ 12%

$88,354/yr ↓ 10%

Median Income

$98,187/yr ↑ 11%

$657,800 ↑ 18%

Home Value

$558,500 ↓ 15%

$1,965/mo ↓ 1%

Owner Costs

$1,990/mo ↑ 1%

311,639

Population

211,921

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $242/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $2,904/year.

Median household income is $9,833/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Fontana — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Fontana cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Fontana?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $242/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Fontana?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $9,833/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 Santa Ana or Fontana?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Santa Ana

Fontana

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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