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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Fontana is 92% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,733/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 31%
$98,187/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 35%
$558,500 ↑ 188%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 65%
$1,990/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 43%
211,921
Population
149,345

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 Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $532/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $6,384/year.

Median household income is $33,917/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Fontana or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Pasadena?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $532/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Pasadena?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $33,917/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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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