Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Atlanta is 45% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,617/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 37%
$81,938/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 27%
$420,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 148%
$1,695/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 38%
499,287
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $601/month cheaper in Atlanta, saving renters about $7,212/year.

Median household income is $21,840/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Atlanta or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Pasadena?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $601/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Pasadena?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $21,840/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and California?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Pasadena details →

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