Cost of Living in Ontario, CA

Population 178,347 · California · Data vintage 2023

170
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Ontario sits 86% above the national median — $568,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $82,806 (11% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Cost Overview

Housing 186
Rent 146

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Ontario

The median home value in Ontario is $568,000 — 86% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,916/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $82,806/year is 11% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 79.5°F and lows of 54.1°F. Overall, Ontario has a cost of living index of 170 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 70% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$568,000
86% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$665,550
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,916/mo
46% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,493/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.7x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 57.4%
Renter-occupied 42.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,916
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,530/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
34.4 min
27% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.9%
Carpooled
11.7%
Public transit
1.1%
Walked
1.0%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
7.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$82,806
11% above avg
Per Capita Income
$31,141
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
24% above avg
Poverty Rate
12.7%
Labor Force Participation
66.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.1%
Graduate degree 5.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.1
Male median age 33
Female median age 33.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
79.5°F
Avg Low
54.1°F
Annual Precip
11.6"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 686872768086949591837567
Low °F 454649515660656564574944
Precip" 2.573.071.640.760.300.020.050.030.100.410.801.89

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 71 — Moderate
13.7%
Good air days/yr
214
Max AQI recorded
137
PM2.5 days
205
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Ontario, CA?

Ontario has a cost index of 170 (100 = national average). It is 70% above the national average.

What is average rent in Ontario, CA?

The median gross rent in Ontario is $1,916 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Ontario?

The median home value in Ontario is $568,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Ontario?

The median household income in Ontario is $82,806 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Ontario, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ontario is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Ontario, CA affordable?

Ontario is above average in cost of living, with an index of 170 — about 70% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Ontario?

Ontario has average high temperatures of 79.5°F and average lows of 54.1°F. Annual precipitation is 11.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Ontario at a Glance

Population
178,347
Median Income
$82,806
Home Value
$568,000
Median Rent
$1,916/mo
Unemployment
6.0%
Avg High Temp
79.5°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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