Chino Hills, CA vs. Fontana, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Chino Hills vs Fontana. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Chino Hills vs Fontana in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Chino Hills and Fontana compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Chino Hills | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,400 | $1,950 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $850,000 | $650,000 |
🏆 Winner: Fontana. Housing costs are around 20-25% lower in Fontana compared to Chino Hills for both renting and buying.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs in Chino Hills and Fontana are fairly similar. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for a typical apartment. Some key differences:
- Chino Hills has slightly lower water and sewer rates
- Fontana offers more public utility assistance programs for low-income households
- Summer electric bills tend to be higher in Fontana due to hotter temperatures
🏆 Winner: Chino Hills, but only by a small margin. The typical household might save $20-30/month on utilities in Chino Hills.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are very comparable between Chino Hills and Fontana. Both cities have a mix of major chains like Ralphs and Stater Bros, plus local ethnic markets.
Eating out is also similarly priced. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages $60-70 in both cities. Fast food combos are around $8-10.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Chino Hills and Fontana are neck and neck for grocery and dining out costs.
4. Taxes and Fees
California’s base sales tax is 7.25%, but most cities add their own taxes on top of that:
- Chino Hills sales tax rate: 7.75%
- Fontana sales tax rate: 7.75%
Property taxes are also similar. Chino Hills has an effective property tax rate of 0.74%, while Fontana’s is 0.81%.
One notable difference: Many neighborhoods in Chino Hills have Homeowners Associations (HOAs). Typical HOA fees range from $200-500/month and often include landscaping, trash, and community amenities. HOAs are less common in Fontana.
🏆 Winner: Fontana. The lack of HOA fees gives Fontana a slight edge, though taxes are nearly identical.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Chino Hills | Fontana | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,400 | $1,950 | Fontana |
| Utilities | $200 | $220 | Chino Hills |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | Tie |
| Transportation | $60 | $50 | Fontana |
| Taxes | 7.75% | 7.75% | Tie |
| Misc (HOA) | $300 | $0 | Fontana |
| Est. Monthly Total | $3,360 | $2,620 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Cost is just one factor in choosing between Chino Hills and Fontana. Also consider:
- Commute: Chino Hills has easier access to major job centers in LA and Orange County via the 71 and 91 freeways.
- Schools: Chino Hills’ schools are rated slightly higher on GreatSchools.org, but both districts have solid options.
- Community: Chino Hills has a more suburban, master-planned feel with abundant parks and hiking trails. Fontana offers a diverse, working-class community vibe.
Chino Hills averages 5°F cooler than Fontana in the summer months. This can make a noticeable difference in comfort and AC costs.
7. FAQ
Is Chino Hills more affordable than Fontana?
No, Fontana has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing. See our full Cost of Living in Chino Hills guide for more details.
Which city has lower rent?
Fontana has lower rent prices. A typical 2BR apartment is around $450 cheaper per month compared to Chino Hills.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Fontana. The median price for a 3BR home is about $200,000 less than in Chino Hills.
8. Conclusion
Fontana offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than Chino Hills, primarily due to more affordable housing. For a working family or young professionals on a budget, Fontana provides great value. However, Chino Hills’ picturesque planned communities, cooler climate, and easier commute to LA/OC may be worth the extra cost for some.
Ultimately, both cities provide a relatively affordable suburban lifestyle within the Inland Empire. Consider building a monthly budget for Chino Hills or Fontana to see how each would fit your finances and lifestyle priorities.