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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Pomona

California
143

Oakland is 36% more expensive than Pomona.

$1,917/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↓ 9%
$97,369/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↓ 19%
$924,700 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$569,600 ↓ 38%
$2,164/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↓ 19%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Pomona, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $18,500/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Pomona — common questions

Is Oakland or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pomona is cheaper to live in with an index of 143 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Pomona?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Pomona?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $18,500/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Pomona details →

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