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Fontana, CA vs Whittier, CA

136
Fontana
California
VS
-13.6%
157
Whittier
California

Fontana is moderately more affordable than Whittier, with a 13.6% lower cost of living index. Fontana scores 136 compared to 157 for Whittier, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Whittier can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month compared to $1,829/month in Whittier — a 5% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fontana is more affordable at $558,500 median vs $751,700.

Median household income in Fontana is $98,187 compared to $92,374 in Whittier (+6.3%). 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 Fontana spend roughly 21.2% of their income on rent, less than the 23.8% in Whittier.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Fontana
136
14% cheaper
Whittier
157
Median Household Income
Fontana
$98,187
6% higher
Whittier
$92,374

Housing

Median Rent
Fontana
$1,733
5% cheaper
Whittier
$1,829
Median Home Value
Fontana
$558,500
26% cheaper
Whittier
$751,700
Population
Fontana
211,921
Whittier
85,925

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

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

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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