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

Fontana

California
146
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Fontana is 5% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$1,733/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 3%
$98,187/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 44%
$558,500 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 14%
$1,990/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ≈ Same
211,921
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $43,166/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Fontana or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, The Woodlands is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $43,166/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and The Woodlands

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester The Woodlands vs. Lakeland The Woodlands vs. Evansville The Woodlands vs. Clearwater The Woodlands vs. Brandon The Woodlands vs. North Charleston The Woodlands vs. West Jordan