Fontana, CA vs. Chino Hills, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Fontana vs Chino Hills. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Fontana vs Chino Hills in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Fontana and Chino Hills compare for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Fontana | Chino Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,950 | $2,400 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $550,000 | $775,000 |
🏆 Winner: Fontana. Housing costs are significantly lower in Fontana compared to Chino Hills, with savings of $450/month on a typical apartment and $225,000 on the median home price.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect the following monthly utility bills on average:
- Electricity: $110-$150 (higher in summer for AC)
- Gas: $30-$50
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $80-$120
- Internet: $50-$80
Both cities are serviced by Southern California Edison and SoCalGas. Take advantage of off-peak pricing plans to save.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable between Fontana and Chino Hills.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery and restaurant prices are fairly standard for the region in both cities. Expect to spend around $400-$600/month per adult on groceries and dining out.
One notable difference: gas prices tend to be $0.20-$0.40/gallon cheaper in Fontana than Chino Hills as of 2025. For a two-car household, this could add up to $40/month in savings.
🏆 Winner: Fontana, but only slightly. The lower gas prices give it an edge for daily expenses.
4. Taxes and Fees
California charges a flat 1% property tax rate statewide. However, city-specific assessments and fees can add to the total. In Fontana, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $200-$400/month. Chino Hills has fewer HOAs but higher Mello-Roos taxes in some neighborhoods.
🏆 Winner: Fontana. The range of housing options without extra taxes and fees is greater than in Chino Hills.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Cost Category | Fontana | Chino Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home)* | $2,750 | $3,875 |
| Utilities | $325 | $325 |
| Groceries & Dining | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $300 | $340 |
| Taxes & Fees | $450 | $650 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total* | $4,725 | $6,090 |
*Based on mortgage for median 3BR home price with 20% down. Adjust for your housing situation.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Chino Hills has more upscale housing and amenities, Fontana offers a wider range of affordable living options. Fontana is also more walkable and has shorter commutes to the Ontario area. However, Chino Hills is known for lower crime and highly-rated schools.
Fontana is about 5°F warmer than Chino Hills on average, with summer highs over 100°F. Chino Hills gets about 4″ more rainfall annually.
7. FAQ
- Is Fontana more affordable than Chino Hills? Yes, Fontana has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. See our Monthly Budget Examples for Fontana Residents for more.
- Which city has lower rent? Fontana rents are around 20% lower than Chino Hills across all apartment sizes.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? In Fontana, the median home price is over $200K less than Chino Hills as of 2025. Our Cost of Living in Fontana (2025 Guide) has additional details.
8. Conclusion
For most households, Fontana offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than nearby Chino Hills. Affordable housing is the biggest factor, with Fontana homes and apartments costing 20-30% less on average. Budget-conscious families, retirees, and single professionals can all benefit from Fontana’s savings compared to pricier Chino Hills.
However, those prioritizing very low crime, top school districts, or luxury housing may find the premium of Chino Hills worthwhile. As always, we recommend visiting both cities and running the numbers for your specific situation. Explore our other cost of living breakdowns for SoCal cities to find your ideal fit!