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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Pomona

California
143

Riverside and Pomona have a similar cost of living.

$1,812/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↓ 4%
$88,575/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↓ 11%
$542,100 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 5%
$1,880/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↓ 6%
316,241
Population
148,391

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Pomona, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $9,706/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Pomona — common questions

Is Riverside or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pomona is cheaper to live in with an index of 143 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Pomona?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Pomona?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $9,706/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Pomona details →

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