Alameda, CA vs Fontana, CA

The cost of living difference between Alameda, CA and Fontana, CA is dramatic. Fontana is 56.3% cheaper than Alameda, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alameda has a cost index of 212 while Fontana sits at 136, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Alameda is $2,394/month compared to $1,733/month in Fontana — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fontana is more affordable at $558,500 median vs $1,203,900.

Median household income in Alameda is $132,015 compared to $98,187 in Fontana (+34.5%). The higher salaries in Alameda partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Alameda spend roughly 21.8% of their income on rent, more than the 21.2% in Fontana.