Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Pomona, CA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Pomona

California
143

Alexandria is 30% more expensive than Pomona.

$2,031/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↓ 14%
$113,638/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↓ 31%
$696,800 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$569,600 ↓ 18%
$2,173/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↓ 19%
156,788
Population
148,391

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Pomona, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $34,769/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Pomona — common questions

Is Alexandria or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pomona is cheaper to live in with an index of 143 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Pomona?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Pomona?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $34,769/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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