Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Pomona, CA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Pomona

California
143

Richmond is 31% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,314/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 32%
$62,671/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↑ 26%
$328,100 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 74%
$1,374/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 28%
227,595
Population
148,391

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $16,198/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Pomona — common questions

Is Richmond or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Pomona?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Pomona?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $16,198/year higher in Pomona.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View Pomona details →

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