Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Fontana

California
146

Virginia Beach is 20% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,649/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 5%
$90,685/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 8%
$366,300 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 52%
$1,704/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 17%
457,066
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $7,502/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Virginia Beach slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Fontana — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Fontana?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Fontana?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $7,502/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Fontana

Virginia Beach vs. Long Beach Virginia Beach vs. Miami Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Virginia Beach vs. Oakland Virginia Beach vs. Colorado Springs Virginia Beach vs. Minneapolis Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester