Cost of Living: Pasadena, TX vs Pomona, CA (2026)

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Pomona

California
143

Pasadena is 67% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,201/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 45%
$64,270/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↑ 23%
$193,600 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 194%
$1,141/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 54%
149,345
Population
148,391

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $537/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $6,444/year.

Median household income is $14,599/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Pomona — common questions

Is Pasadena or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Pomona?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $537/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Pomona?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $14,599/year higher in Pomona.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/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.
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