Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Fontana

California
146

Tampa is 23% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,567/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 11%
$71,302/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 38%
$375,300 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 49%
$1,553/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 28%
393,389
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $26,885/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Fontana — common questions

Is Tampa or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Fontana?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Fontana?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $26,885/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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.
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