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

Pomona

California
143
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Pomona is 99% more expensive than Waco.

$1,738/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 37%
$78,869/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 35%
$569,600 ↑ 185%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 65%
$1,758/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 38%
148,391
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pomona, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 143 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $640/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $7,680/year.

Median household income is $27,401/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pomona is $569,600 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pomona vs Waco — common questions

Is Pomona or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pomona and Waco?
Median rent in Pomona is $1,738/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $640/month.
Which city has higher income, Pomona or Waco?
Median household income is $78,869 in Pomona and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $27,401/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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Pomona has a cost index of 143 with median rent of $1,738/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pomona details → View Waco details →

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