Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Pomona, CA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Pomona

California
143

Jersey City is 3% more expensive than Pomona.

$1,902/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↓ 9%
$94,813/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↓ 17%
$534,500 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 7%
$2,006/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↓ 12%
289,691
Population
148,391

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Pomona, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $15,944/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Jersey City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Pomona — common questions

Is Jersey City or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pomona is cheaper to live in with an index of 143 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Pomona?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Pomona?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $15,944/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Pomona details →

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