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

Fontana

California
146
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Fontana is 60% more expensive than College Station.

$1,733/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 33%
$98,187/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 47%
$558,500 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 42%
$1,990/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 37%
211,921
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $565/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $6,780/year.

Median household income is $46,411/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs College Station — common questions

Is Fontana or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and College Station?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $565/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or College Station?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $46,411/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and College Station

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette