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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Fontana is 103% more expensive than Waco.

$1,733/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 37%
$98,187/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 48%
$558,500 ↑ 180%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 64%
$1,990/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 45%
211,921
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $635/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $7,620/year.

Median household income is $46,719/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Waco — common questions

Is Fontana or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Waco?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $635/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Waco?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $46,719/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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Waco details →

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