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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Fontana is 7% more expensive than Allen.

$1,733/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 8%
$98,187/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 32%
$558,500 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 23%
$1,990/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 5%
211,921
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $30,943/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Allen — common questions

Is Fontana or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Allen?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Allen?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $30,943/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Allen details →

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