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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Bakersfield is 37% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,371/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 12%
$77,397/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 17%
$347,300 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 44%
$1,540/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 26%
408,366
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $13,127/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Pasadena?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Pasadena?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $13,127/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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 Bakersfield details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and Pasadena

Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport