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

Pomona

California
143
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Pomona is 35% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,738/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 28%
$78,869/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 32%
$569,600 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 83%
$1,758/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 33%
148,391
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pomona, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 143 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in Pomona, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $24,909/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pomona is $569,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pomona vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Pomona or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pomona is cheaper to live in with an index of 143 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pomona and Pasadena?
Median rent in Pomona is $1,738/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $480/month.
Which city has higher income, Pomona or Pasadena?
Median household income is $78,869 in Pomona and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $24,909/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Pomona has a cost index of 143 with median rent of $1,738/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pomona details → View Pasadena details →

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