Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Fontana, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 17.1% cheaper than Fontana, CA. This translates to saving $1282 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Fontana, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Fontana, CA, you'd need approximately $134,615.385 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fontana, CA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 29.6% cheaper than in Fontana, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,660/month in Fontana, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fontana, CA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Fontana, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1282 per month, or $15385 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fontana, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Fontana, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.6K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 17.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,282

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Fontana, CA

Population:208K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$600K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:83

Median Home:$512K

Fontana, CA

The Golden State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 208K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fontana, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Fontana, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,508/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,039less	29.6%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $874less	40.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,039/mo	$959/mo	↓ $79.94less	7.7%
🏥Healthcare	$551/mo	$601/mo	↑ $49.57more	9.0%
📦Other	$1,724/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $16.74less	1.0%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$546/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 29.6%

Fontana, CA

$3,508

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,039

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 40.5%

Fontana, CA

$2,158

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$874

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.7%

Fontana, CA

$1,039

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$79.94

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.0%

Fontana, CA

$551

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$49.57

📦Other

↓ 1.0%

Fontana, CA

$1,724

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$16.74

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.0%

Fontana, CA

$557

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$10.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,050

To$1,570

↓ $480

1 Bed

From$2,150

To$1,640

↓ $510

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,800

↓ $860

3 Bed

From$3,520

To$2,255

↓ $1,265

Fontana, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,850–$2,150/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,539

Monthly in Fontana, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$1,972

Difference

Home Values

Fontana

Raleigh

$600K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +36.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$553K - $693K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 15% less expensive than Fontana

Calculate payment - Fontana Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$292

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.3%

Rate difference

Fontana, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Fontana, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.