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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Austin is 76% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,655/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 27%
$91,461/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 30%
$512,700 ↑ 165%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 62%
$1,747/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 35%
967,862
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $454/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $5,448/year.

Median household income is $27,191/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Austin or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 134 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $454/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Pasadena?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $27,191/year higher in Austin.
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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Pasadena details →

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