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Fontana, CA vs Tustin, CA

136
Fontana
California
VS
-26.2%
184
Tustin
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fontana is 26.2% cheaper than Tustin. With a cost index of 136 vs 184, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fontana to Tustin should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month compared to $2,340/month in Tustin — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fontana is more affordable at $558,500 median vs $890,600.

Median household income in Fontana is $98,187 compared to $108,435 in Tustin (-9.5%). Tustin does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Fontana spend roughly 21.2% of their income on rent, less than the 25.9% in Tustin.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (66.8°F vs 64.9°F). Fontana receives more rainfall at 11.6" per year compared to 11.2" in Tustin.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Fontana
136
26% cheaper
Tustin
184
Median Household Income
Fontana
$98,187
Tustin
$108,435
9% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Fontana
$1,733
26% cheaper
Tustin
$2,340
Median Home Value
Fontana
$558,500
37% cheaper
Tustin
$890,600
Population
Fontana
211,921
Tustin
79,035

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Fontana $2,020
Tustin $2,031
1% cheaper
1 Bed
Fontana $2,148
Tustin $2,272
5% cheaper
2 Bed
Fontana $2,675
Tustin $2,835
6% cheaper
3 Bed
Fontana $3,520
Tustin $3,599
2% cheaper
4 Bed
Fontana $4,178
Tustin $4,010
4% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Fontana $3.13
Tustin $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Fontana $2.55
Tustin $2.68
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Fontana $4.11
Tustin $4.31
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Fontana $1.89
Tustin $1.98
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Fontana $4.22
Tustin $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Fontana $0.31
Tustin $0.27
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Fontana 66.8°F
Tustin 64.9°F
Summer High
Fontana 94°F
Tustin 79°F
Winter Low
Fontana 45°F
Tustin 49°F
Rainfall
Fontana 11.6"
Tustin 11.2"
Rainy Days
Fontana 36d
Tustin 41d