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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Fontana

California
146

Tacoma is 14% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,597/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 9%
$83,857/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 17%
$454,600 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 23%
$1,747/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 14%
220,482
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $14,330/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Fontana — common questions

Is Tacoma or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Fontana?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $136/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Fontana?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $14,330/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 Tacoma or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Fontana details →

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