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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Grand Prairie

Texas
98

Fontana is 49% more expensive than Grand Prairie.

$1,733/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,470/mo ↓ 15%
$98,187/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$78,889/yr ↓ 20%
$558,500 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$272,200 ↓ 51%
$1,990/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,480/mo ↓ 26%
211,921
Population
198,564

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Grand Prairie, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in Grand Prairie, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $19,298/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $272,200 in Grand Prairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Grand Prairie — common questions

Is Fontana or Grand Prairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Prairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Grand Prairie?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Grand Prairie it's $1,470/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Grand Prairie?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $78,889 in Grand Prairie. Median household income is $19,298/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 Grand Prairie?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Grand Prairie has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,470/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Grand Prairie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Grand Prairie

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Grand Prairie vs. Sunrise Manor Grand Prairie vs. Montgomery Grand Prairie vs. Birmingham Grand Prairie vs. Grand Rapids Grand Prairie vs. Tallahassee Grand Prairie vs. Sioux Falls