Is Boston, MA cheaper than Pomona, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 25.2% more expensive than Pomona, CA. This translates to spending an extra $1891 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Pomona, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Pomona, CA, you'd need approximately $172,689.076 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Pomona, CA and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 43.0% more expensive than in Pomona, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,165/month in Pomona, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Pomona, CA to Boston, MA?

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $1891 more per month than Pomona, CA, or $22689 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Pomona, CA vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Pomona, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.9K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $172.7K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 25.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,891

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$22.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Pomona, CA

Population:146K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$678K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

125

(25% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Pomona, CA

The Golden State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 146K residents.

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Pomona, CA vs Boston, MA

Category	Pomona, CA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,690/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $1,585more	43.0%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,830/mo	↓ $328less	15.2%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$743/mo	↑ $192more	34.8%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$716/mo	↑ $158more	28.4%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $100more	5.8%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $39.97more	3.8%

Housing

↑ 43.0%

Pomona, CA

$3,690

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$1,585

Transportation

↓ 15.2%

Pomona, CA

$2,158

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$328

less

Healthcare

↑ 34.8%

Pomona, CA

$551

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$192

All Utilities

↑ 28.4%

Pomona, CA

$557

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$158

Other

↑ 5.8%

Pomona, CA

$1,724

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$100

Groceries

↑ 3.8%

Pomona, CA

$1,039

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$39.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,550

To$3,095

↑ $1,545

1 Bed

From$1,740

To$3,255

↑ $1,515

2 Bed

From$2,165

To$3,865

↑ $1,700

3 Bed

From$2,745

To$4,630

↑ $1,885

Pomona, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,720–$1,760/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,721

Monthly in Pomona, CA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$1,748

Difference

Home Values

Pomona

Boston

$678K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -1.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +31.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$663K - $694K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 42% more expensive than Pomona

Calculate payment - Pomona Calculate payment - Boston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$261

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

Pomona, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Pomona, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.