Fontana, CA vs. Chino Hills, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison between Fontana and Chino Hills, California. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of living in Fontana vs Chino Hills in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Fontana and Chino Hills compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Fontana | Chino Hills |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $2,500 | $3,800 |
🏆 Winner: Fontana. Housing costs are significantly lower in Fontana compared to Chino Hills, with savings of $600+ per month on rent and $1,300 on a typical mortgage payment.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs also factor into monthly budgets. Fontana and Chino Hills have fairly similar utility expenses:
- In Fontana, expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash service for a 2BR apartment.
- Chino Hills utility costs average $200/month for the same setup.
- Both cities offer off-peak pricing plans to help manage summer A/C costs.
🏆 Winner: Fontana. While utility differences are minor, Fontana is slightly cheaper overall.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food is the next major cost-of-living factor. Grocery prices are comparable between the two cities, but Chino Hills has slightly higher costs for dining out:
- Groceries: Expect to spend $400-500/month on groceries for a couple in either city.
- Restaurants: A basic meal out costs around $15 in Fontana vs. $18 in Chino Hills.
🏆 Winner: Fontana takes the lead again, though differences are minor for groceries and daily expenses.
4. Taxes and Fees
Don’t overlook taxes and local fees in your budget. Here’s how Fontana and Chino Hills stack up:
- Property tax rates are 1.15% in Fontana vs. 1.20% in Chino Hills.
- In Fontana, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash service. Chino Hills HOAs may have higher fees for more amenities.
- Both cities charge around 10% in sales tax on purchases.
🏆 Winner: Fontana has a slight edge with lower property taxes and HOA fees.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Fontana | Chino Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $450 | $475 |
| Transportation | $300 | $325 |
| Taxes (1.15% vs 1.20%) | $380 | $400 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,610 | $4,400 |
Note: All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax). A household moving from Chino Hills to Fontana might save $800/month on housing and living costs alone.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Cost is just one factor in choosing between Fontana and Chino Hills. Also consider:
- Fontana offers more affordable space and newer construction. Yards are bigger and homes are newer on average.
- Chino Hills has higher-rated schools and more upscale neighborhoods and amenities.
- Fontana averages 5°F hotter than Chino Hills in the summer. Chino Hills is a bit milder.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Fontana more affordable than Chino Hills? Yes, Fontana offers a lower cost of living overall, especially for housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Fontana rents are around 25% cheaper than Chino Hills.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Fontana home prices and mortgage costs are significantly lower than Chino Hills across all home sizes.
8. Conclusion
Fontana is the clear winner for affordability, with lower costs for housing and slightly cheaper utilities, groceries, and taxes. Families looking to stretch their budget with more space will find Fontana very appealing.
However, Chino Hills remains popular for its excellent schools, upscale neighborhoods, and milder weather. Professionals who prioritize these amenities may prefer Chino Hills despite the higher cost of living.
Ultimately, the right fit depends on your household budget and lifestyle priorities. Be sure to check out our Monthly Budget Examples for Fontana Residents and Cost of Living in Fontana (2025 Guide) for more details to inform your decision.