Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Arlington is 57% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,389/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 60%
$73,519/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 41%
$276,400 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 278%
$1,420/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 65%
394,769
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $829/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $9,948/year.

Median household income is $30,259/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Arlington or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Pasadena?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $829/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Pasadena?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $30,259/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Pasadena details →

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