Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Fontana

California
146

Seattle is 34% more expensive than Fontana.

$1,998/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 13%
$121,984/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↓ 20%
$912,100 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 39%
$2,220/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↓ 10%
741,440
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $265/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $3,180/year.

Median household income is $23,797/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Fontana — common questions

Is Seattle or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Fontana?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $265/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Fontana?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $23,797/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Fontana

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