Cost of Living: Pomona, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Pomona

California
143
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Pomona is 37% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,738/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 38%
$78,869/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 40%
$569,600 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 85%
$1,758/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 40%
148,391
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pomona, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 143 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $657/month cheaper in Pomona, saving renters about $7,884/year.

Median household income is $31,204/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pomona is $569,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pomona vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Pomona or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pomona is cheaper to live in with an index of 143 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pomona and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Pomona is $1,738/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $657/month.
Which city has higher income, Pomona or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $78,869 in Pomona and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $31,204/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Pomona has a cost index of 143 with median rent of $1,738/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pomona details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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