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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Fontana

California
146

Garland is 34% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,525/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 14%
$74,717/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 31%
$248,900 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 124%
$1,445/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 38%
245,298
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $23,470/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Fontana — common questions

Is Garland or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Fontana?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Fontana?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $23,470/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Fontana

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester