Fontana, CA vs Lakewood, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fontana is 21.9% cheaper than Lakewood. With a cost index of 136 vs 174, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fontana to Lakewood should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month compared to $2,324/month in Lakewood — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fontana is more affordable at $558,500 median vs $774,100.

Median household income in Fontana is $98,187 compared to $116,794 in Lakewood (-15.9%). The higher salaries in Lakewood partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Fontana spend roughly 21.2% of their income on rent, less than the 23.9% in Lakewood.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (66.8°F vs 64.9°F). Lakewood receives more rainfall at 12" per year compared to 11.6" in Fontana.