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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Fontana

California
146

Houston is 40% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,313/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 32%
$62,894/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 56%
$253,400 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 120%
$1,316/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 51%
2,300,419
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $420/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $5,040/year.

Median household income is $35,293/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Fontana — common questions

Is Houston or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Fontana?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $420/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Fontana?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $35,293/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 Houston or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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