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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Pomona

California
143

Rochester is 57% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,039/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 67%
$46,628/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↑ 69%
$120,600 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 372%
$1,009/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 74%
209,720
Population
148,391

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $699/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $8,388/year.

Median household income is $32,241/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Pomona — common questions

Is Rochester or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Pomona?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $699/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Pomona?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $32,241/year higher in Pomona.
How do taxes compare between New York and California?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Pomona details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Pomona

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Pomona vs. Mesquite Pomona vs. Bridgeport Pomona vs. Pasadena Pomona vs. Rockford Pomona vs. Naperville Pomona vs. Savannah