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

Pomona

California
143
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Pomona is 43% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,738/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 22%
$78,869/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 38%
$569,600 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 137%
$1,758/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 33%
148,391
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pomona, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 143 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Pomona, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $29,689/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pomona is $569,600 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pomona vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Pomona or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pomona is cheaper to live in with an index of 143 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pomona and Berkeley?
Median rent in Pomona is $1,738/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Pomona or Berkeley?
Median household income is $78,869 in Pomona and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $29,689/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Pomona or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Pomona has a cost index of 143 with median rent of $1,738/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pomona details → View Berkeley details →

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