Madera, CA vs Ontario, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Madera is 28.7% cheaper than Ontario. With a cost index of 101 vs 142, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Madera to Ontario should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Madera is $1,237/month compared to $1,916/month in Ontario — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Madera is more affordable at $335,900 median vs $568,000.

Median household income in Madera is $63,619 compared to $82,806 in Ontario (-23.2%). The higher salaries in Ontario partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Madera spend roughly 23.3% of their income on rent, less than the 27.8% in Ontario.

Climate-wise, Ontario is notably warmer with an average of 66.8°F compared to 63.3°F in Madera. Ontario receives more rainfall at 11.6" per year compared to 10.8" in Madera.