Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Fontana is 100% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,733/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 42%
$98,187/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 51%
$558,500 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 58%
$1,990/mo ↑ 92%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 48%
211,921
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $728/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $8,736/year.

Median household income is $49,651/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Fontana or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $728/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $49,651/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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