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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Pomona

California
143

Palmdale is 9% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,736/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ≈ Same
$81,151/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↓ 3%
$435,300 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 31%
$1,831/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↓ 4%
165,487
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,282/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Pomona — common questions

Is Palmdale or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Pomona?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Pomona?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $2,282/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Pomona details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palmdale and Pomona

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