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

Pomona

California
143
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Pomona is 117% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,738/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 41%
$78,869/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 24%
$569,600 ↑ 228%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 69%
$1,758/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 43%
148,391
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pomona, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 143 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $721/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $8,652/year.

Median household income is $18,704/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pomona is $569,600 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pomona vs McAllen — common questions

Is Pomona or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pomona and McAllen?
Median rent in Pomona is $1,738/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $721/month.
Which city has higher income, Pomona or McAllen?
Median household income is $78,869 in Pomona and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $18,704/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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Pomona has a cost index of 143 with median rent of $1,738/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pomona details → View McAllen details →

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