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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Fontana

California
146

Spokane is 38% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,141/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 52%
$65,745/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 49%
$326,200 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 71%
$1,213/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 64%
229,228
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $592/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $7,104/year.

Median household income is $32,442/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Fontana — common questions

Is Spokane or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Fontana?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $592/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Fontana?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $32,442/year higher in Fontana.
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 Spokane or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Fontana details →

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