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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Fontana is 46% more expensive than Denton.

$1,733/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 22%
$98,187/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 25%
$558,500 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 42%
$1,990/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 27%
211,921
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $24,468/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Denton — common questions

Is Fontana or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Denton?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Denton?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $24,468/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Denton

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