Cost of Living: Pomona, CA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Pomona

California
143
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Pomona is 54% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,738/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 24%
$78,869/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 11%
$569,600 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 50%
$1,758/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 24%
148,391
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pomona, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 143 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $422/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,064/year.

Median household income is $8,898/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pomona is $569,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pomona vs Rochester — common questions

Is Pomona or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pomona and Rochester?
Median rent in Pomona is $1,738/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $422/month.
Which city has higher income, Pomona or Rochester?
Median household income is $78,869 in Pomona and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $8,898/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between California and Minnesota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Pomona or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Pomona has a cost index of 143 with median rent of $1,738/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pomona details → View Rochester details →

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