California · Population 136,462 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Pasadena
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Pasadena has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 220 (where 100 equals the national median), Pasadena residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,218/month while earning a median household income of $103,778/year.
The median home value in Pasadena, CA is $1,045,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,340 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.6%, Pasadena falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.
California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Pasadena.
Common questions about living costs in Pasadena
Similar-sized cities to compare
Compare the cost of living in Pasadena, CA with 299 other major U.S. cities