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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Fontana is 170% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,733/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 48%
$98,187/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 50%
$558,500 ↑ 356%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 78%
$1,990/mo ↑ 140%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 58%
211,921
Population
188,023

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
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $827/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $9,924/year.

Median household income is $49,512/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Fontana or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Brownsville?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $827/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Brownsville?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $49,512/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 Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

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