Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Fontana

California
146

Scottsdale is 13% more expensive than Fontana.

$1,910/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 9%
$107,372/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↓ 9%
$709,900 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 21%
$1,824/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 9%
242,169
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $177/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $2,124/year.

Median household income is $9,185/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Fontana — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Fontana?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $177/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Fontana?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $9,185/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Fontana details →

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