Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Fontana

California
146

Dallas is 34% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,403/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 24%
$67,760/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 45%
$295,300 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 89%
$1,409/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 41%
1,299,553
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $30,427/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Fontana — common questions

Is Dallas or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Fontana?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Fontana?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $30,427/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dallas details → View Fontana details →

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