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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Pomona

California
143

Irvine is 79% more expensive than Pomona.

$2,893/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↓ 40%
$129,647/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↓ 39%
$1,115,400 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$569,600 ↓ 49%
$2,904/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↓ 39%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,155/month cheaper in Pomona, saving renters about $13,860/year.

Median household income is $50,778/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Pomona — common questions

Is Irvine or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pomona is cheaper to live in with an index of 143 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Pomona?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $1,155/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Pomona?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $50,778/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Pomona details →

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