Is Pomona expensive to live in?

Pomona is considered expensive, with a cost index of 132 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 32% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $2,534, and the median household income is $78,869.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Pomona?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $101,360/year to afford median rent in Pomona. The median household income is $78,869, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 39%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Pomona?

The median rent in Pomona is $2,534 per month. Housing costs score 180 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 80% more expensive than the US average.

How does Pomona compare to the national average cost of living?

Pomona's overall cost index is 132 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (180), food & groceries (129), transportation (125), utilities (121), and healthcare (136). Pomona is above average in most categories.

Is Pomona, California a good place to live?

Pomona has a population of 145,502 and a median household income of $78,869. With a cost index of 132, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 39%, which is above the recommended 30% threshold.

What are the cheapest cities near Pomona?

To find the most affordable cities near Pomona in California, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the California state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Pomona

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 132

Median rent: $2,534

Median income: $78,869

Cost Index

0/ 100 avg

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Median Rent

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About Pomona

Living in Pomona, California

Pomona, California is a growing city with a population of approximately 145,502. The overall cost of living index sits at 132, which is significantly above the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 32% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Pomona. Median rent is $2,534 per month, while the median home price is $685,862. At a median household income of $78,869, rent consumes roughly 39% of gross income, which represents a moderate housing cost burden. The housing sub-index of 180 highlights significantly elevated shelter costs.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Pomona with a sub-index of 136, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 121. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: California applies a 13.30% income tax rate, and property tax averages 0.71% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 8.85%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Pomona has trended upward. Among the 61 tracked cities in California, Pomona ranks #24 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Pomona actually costs.

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