Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Fontana

California
146

Washington is 17% more expensive than Fontana.

$1,900/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 9%
$106,287/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↓ 8%
$724,600 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 23%
$2,103/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↓ 5%
672,079
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $8,100/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

District of Columbia has a lower income tax rate, making Washington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Fontana — common questions

Is Washington or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Fontana?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Fontana?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $8,100/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and California?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Fontana details →

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