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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Fontana is 106% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,733/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 36%
$98,187/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 36%
$558,500 ↑ 212%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 68%
$1,990/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 44%
211,921
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $627/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $7,524/year.

Median household income is $35,467/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Abilene — common questions

Is Fontana or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Abilene?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $627/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Abilene?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $35,467/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Abilene

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland