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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Fontana

California
146

Santa Clarita is 35% more expensive than Fontana.

$2,486/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 30%
$119,926/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↓ 18%
$721,000 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 23%
$2,649/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↓ 25%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $753/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $9,036/year.

Median household income is $21,739/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Fontana — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Fontana?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $753/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Fontana?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $21,739/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Fontana details →

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