Cost of Living: San Francisco, CA vs Pomona, CA (2026)

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Pomona

California
143

San Francisco is 87% more expensive than Pomona.

$2,419/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↓ 28%
$141,446/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↓ 44%
$1,380,500 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$569,600 ↓ 59%
$2,620/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↓ 33%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $681/month cheaper in Pomona, saving renters about $8,172/year.

Median household income is $62,577/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Pomona — common questions

Is San Francisco or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pomona is cheaper to live in with an index of 143 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Pomona?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $681/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Pomona?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $62,577/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 San Francisco details → View Pomona details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Francisco and Pomona

San Francisco vs. Indianapolis San Francisco vs. Seattle San Francisco vs. Charlotte San Francisco vs. Denver San Francisco vs. Columbus San Francisco vs. Oklahoma City Pomona vs. Mesquite Pomona vs. Bridgeport Pomona vs. Pasadena Pomona vs. Rockford Pomona vs. Naperville Pomona vs. Savannah