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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Fontana is 8% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$1,733/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 12%
$98,187/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 40%
$558,500 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 27%
$1,990/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 1%
211,921
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $39,324/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Fontana or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sugar Land is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $39,324/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Sugar Land

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Sugar Land vs. Santa Maria Sugar Land vs. Greeley Sugar Land vs. Ventura Sugar Land vs. South Fulton Sugar Land vs. Temecula Sugar Land vs. Sparks