Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Fontana is 76% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,733/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 30%
$98,187/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 32%
$558,500 ↑ 137%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 58%
$1,990/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 37%
211,921
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $518/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $6,216/year.

Median household income is $31,401/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Fontana or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Clarksville?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $518/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Clarksville?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $31,401/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,215/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Clarksville

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster