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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Arlington is 25% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,389/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 14%
$73,519/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 13%
$276,400 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 30%
$1,420/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 20%
394,769
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $9,249/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Arlington or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 95 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Pasadena?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $9,249/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Pasadena details →

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