Cost of Living in Pomona, CA

With a cost of living index of 140, Pomona, CA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 40% more expensive than the national average and 4% below the California state average of 144. As a major city with a population of 148,391, Pomona offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Pomona's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,738 (32% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $569,600 (87% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 7.2x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Pomona is $78,869, which is 5% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Pomona. The area sees an average annual temperature of 66.1°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 56°F. Annual rainfall totals 10 inches spread over roughly 35 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.