Question 1

Is Elk Grove or Fontana cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Fontana, CA is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $431/month less than in Elk Grove, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $2,180/mo in Elk Grove versus $1,733/mo in Fontana.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Elk Grove vs Fontana?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $86,000/year before tax in Elk Grove, CA and $76,000/year in Fontana, CA — a difference of about $10,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Elk Grove or Fontana cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Fontana, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $11,495/month in Elk Grove and $10,384/month in Fontana, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Elk Grove or Fontana?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Fontana costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Elk Grove70	Fontana69
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,515	$4,084
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$11,495	$10,384
Salary for comfort	$86,000/yr	$76,000/yr
Typical rent	$2,180	$1,733
Median home value	$603,400	$558,500
Median household income	$122,229	$98,187
Unemployment	4.6%	4.8%
Housing score	64	53
Jobs score	42	34
Safety score	88	79
Climate score	100	100
Amenities score	46	58
Population	177.2K	211.9K
Summer high / winter low	92° / 39°	92° / 44°

Elk Grove, CA vs Fontana, CA