Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Boston is 20% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,093/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 6%
$94,755/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 10%
$710,400 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 47%
$2,176/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 8%
663,972
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $9,023/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Boston or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Pasadena?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Pasadena?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $9,023/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Pasadena details →

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