Is Ontario expensive to live in?

Ontario is considered expensive, with a cost index of 130 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 30% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $2,493, and the median household income is $82,806.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Ontario?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $99,720/year to afford median rent in Ontario. The median household income is $82,806, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 36%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Ontario?

The median rent in Ontario is $2,493 per month. Housing costs score 176 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 76% more expensive than the US average.

How does Ontario compare to the national average cost of living?

Ontario's overall cost index is 130 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (176), food & groceries (128), transportation (124), utilities (120), and healthcare (134). Ontario is above average in most categories.

Is Ontario, California a good place to live?

Ontario has a population of 182,457 and a median household income of $82,806. With a cost index of 130, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 36%, which is above the recommended 30% threshold.

What are the cheapest cities near Ontario?

To find the most affordable cities near Ontario in California, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the California state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 130

Median rent: $2,493

Median income: $82,806

Cost Index

0/ 100 avg

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Median Rent

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About Ontario

Living in Ontario, California

Ontario, California is a growing city with a population of approximately 182,457. The overall cost of living index sits at 130, which is significantly above the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 30% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Ontario. Median rent is $2,493 per month, while the median home price is $665,551. At a median household income of $82,806, rent consumes roughly 36% of gross income, which represents a moderate housing cost burden. The housing sub-index of 176 highlights significantly elevated shelter costs.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Ontario with a sub-index of 134, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 120. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: California applies a 13.30% income tax rate, and property tax averages 0.71% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 8.85%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Ontario has remained relatively stable. Among the 61 tracked cities in California, Ontario ranks #19 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Ontario actually costs.

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