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

Pomona

California
143
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Pomona is 101% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,738/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 36%
$78,869/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 20%
$569,600 ↑ 218%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 69%
$1,758/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 37%
148,391
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pomona, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 143 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $632/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $7,584/year.

Median household income is $16,149/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pomona is $569,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pomona vs Abilene — common questions

Is Pomona or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pomona and Abilene?
Median rent in Pomona is $1,738/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $632/month.
Which city has higher income, Pomona or Abilene?
Median household income is $78,869 in Pomona and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $16,149/year higher in Pomona.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Pomona or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Pomona has a cost index of 143 with median rent of $1,738/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pomona details → View Abilene details →

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