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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Fontana is 64% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,733/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 19%
$98,187/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 27%
$558,500 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 59%
$1,990/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 31%
211,921
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $326/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $3,912/year.

Median household income is $26,344/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Fontana or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Mesquite?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $326/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Mesquite?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $26,344/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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

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