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

Fontana

California
146
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Fontana is 121% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,733/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 41%
$98,187/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 39%
$558,500 ↑ 221%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 69%
$1,990/mo ↑ 100%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 50%
211,921
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $716/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $8,592/year.

Median household income is $38,022/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs McAllen — common questions

Is Fontana or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and McAllen?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $716/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or McAllen?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $38,022/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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View McAllen details →

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