Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Pomona, CA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Pomona

California
143

Durham is 27% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,412/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 23%
$79,234/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$78,869/yr ≈ Same
$355,300 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 60%
$1,434/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 23%
288,465
Population
148,391

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State 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 Durham, NC and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $326/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $3,912/year.

Median household income is $365/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Pomona — common questions

Is Durham or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Pomona?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $326/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Pomona?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $365/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Durham or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Pomona details →

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