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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Pomona

California
143

Modesto is 16% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,609/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 8%
$77,899/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↑ 1%
$415,600 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 37%
$1,613/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 9%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $970/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Pomona — common questions

Is Modesto or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Pomona?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Pomona?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $970/year higher in Pomona.
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 Modesto or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Pomona details →

More Comparisons

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