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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Fontana

California
146

Plano is 10% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,792/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 3%
$108,649/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↓ 10%
$440,600 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 27%
$1,829/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 9%
287,339
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $10,462/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Fontana — common questions

Is Plano or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Fontana?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Fontana?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $10,462/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Fontana

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