Cost of Living in Fontana, CA
Population 211,921 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Fontana run well above the national baseline, with a median of $559,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $98,187 place the city among the better-paid California metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fontana
The median home value in Fontana is $558,500 — 83% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,733/month, 32% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $98,187/year is 32% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Fontana has a cost of living index of 163 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 63% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fontana, CA?
Fontana has a cost index of 163 (100 = national average). It is 63% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fontana, CA?
The median gross rent in Fontana is $1,733 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fontana?
The median home value in Fontana is $558,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fontana?
The median household income in Fontana is $98,187 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fontana, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fontana is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Fontana, CA affordable?
Fontana is above average in cost of living, with an index of 163 — about 63% higher than the national average.
Fontana at a Glance
- Population
- 211,921
- Median Income
- $98,187
- Home Value
- $558,500
- Median Rent
- $1,733/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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