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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Fontana is 14% more expensive than Richardson.

$1,733/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 5%
$98,187/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 2%
$558,500 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 27%
$1,990/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 10%
211,921
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $1,930/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Richardson — common questions

Is Fontana or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Richardson?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Richardson?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $1,930/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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Richardson

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater