Cost of Living: Pomona, CA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Pomona

California
143
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Pomona is 81% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,738/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 27%
$78,869/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 32%
$569,600 ↑ 202%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 67%
$1,758/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
148,391
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pomona, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 143 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $469/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $5,628/year.

Median household income is $25,466/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pomona is $569,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pomona vs Allentown — common questions

Is Pomona or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pomona and Allentown?
Median rent in Pomona is $1,738/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $469/month.
Which city has higher income, Pomona or Allentown?
Median household income is $78,869 in Pomona and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $25,466/year higher in Pomona.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Pomona or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Pomona has a cost index of 143 with median rent of $1,738/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pomona details → View Allentown details →

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