Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Fontana, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 23.1% more expensive than Fontana, CA. This translates to spending an extra $1731 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Fontana, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Fontana, CA, you'd need approximately $170,769.231 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fontana, CA and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 48.9% more expensive than in Fontana, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $2,660/month in Fontana, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fontana, CA to San Diego, CA?

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $1731 more per month than Fontana, CA, or $20769 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fontana, CA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Fontana, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.7K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $170.8K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 23.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,731

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$20.8K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$600K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

123

(23% above avg)

Median Home:$980K

Fontana, CA

The Golden State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fontana, CA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Fontana, CA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,508/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $1,715more	48.9%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $587less	27.2%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $167more	9.7%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$638/mo	↑ $86.74more	15.7%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$634/mo	↑ $76.50more	13.7%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $39.97more	3.8%

Housing

↑ 48.9%

Fontana, CA

$3,508

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$1,715

Transportation

↓ 27.2%

Fontana, CA

$2,158

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$587

less

Other

↑ 9.7%

Fontana, CA

$1,724

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$167

Healthcare

↑ 15.7%

Fontana, CA

$551

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$86.74

All Utilities

↑ 13.7%

Fontana, CA

$557

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$76.50

Groceries

↑ 3.8%

Fontana, CA

$1,039

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$39.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,050

To$2,565

↑ $515

1 Bed

From$2,150

To$2,755

↑ $605

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$3,360

↑ $700

3 Bed

From$3,520

To$4,475

↑ $955

Fontana, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,850–$2,150/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$1,498

Difference

Home Values

Fontana

San Diego

$600K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +36.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$553K - $693K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 63% more expensive than Fontana

Calculate payment - Fontana Calculate payment - San Diego

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

San Diego, 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

Additional Tax Information

Fontana, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.