Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Pomona, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Pomona

California
143

Bakersfield is 27% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,371/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 27%
$77,397/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↑ 2%
$347,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 64%
$1,540/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 14%
408,366
Population
148,391

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $367/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $4,404/year.

Median household income is $1,472/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Pomona — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Pomona?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $367/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Pomona?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $1,472/year higher in Pomona.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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.
View Bakersfield details → View Pomona details →

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