Burbank, CA vs Fontana, CA

The cost of living difference between Burbank, CA and Fontana, CA is dramatic. Fontana is 39% cheaper than Burbank, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Burbank has a cost index of 189 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 Burbank is $2,089/month compared to $1,733/month in Fontana — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fontana is more affordable at $558,500 median vs $1,041,100.

Median household income in Burbank is $95,816 compared to $98,187 in Fontana (-2.4%). Fontana offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Burbank spend roughly 26.2% of their income on rent, more than the 21.2% in Fontana.