Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Pomona, CA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Pomona

California
143

Boston is 23% more expensive than Pomona.

$2,093/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↓ 17%
$94,755/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↓ 17%
$710,400 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$569,600 ↓ 20%
$2,176/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↓ 19%
663,972
Population
148,391

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Pomona, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $15,886/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Pomona — common questions

Is Boston or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pomona is cheaper to live in with an index of 143 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Pomona?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Pomona?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $15,886/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Pomona details →

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