Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Pomona, CA (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Pomona

California
143

Houston is 38% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,313/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 32%
$62,894/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↑ 25%
$253,400 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 125%
$1,316/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 34%
2,300,419
Population
148,391

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $425/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $5,100/year.

Median household income is $15,975/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Pomona — common questions

Is Houston or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Pomona?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $425/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Pomona?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $15,975/year higher in Pomona.
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 Houston or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Pomona details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Pomona

Houston vs. Chicago Houston vs. Phoenix Houston vs. Los Angeles Houston vs. Philadelphia Houston vs. New York Houston vs. San Antonio Pomona vs. Mesquite Pomona vs. Bridgeport Pomona vs. Pasadena Pomona vs. Rockford Pomona vs. Naperville Pomona vs. Savannah