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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Austin is 39% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,655/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 34%
$91,461/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 13%
$512,700 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 104%
$1,747/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 34%
967,862
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $563/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $6,756/year.

Median household income is $12,317/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Austin or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Pasadena?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $563/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Pasadena?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $12,317/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 Austin or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Pasadena details →

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