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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Boston is 132% more expensive than Pasadena.

$2,093/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 43%
$94,755/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 32%
$710,400 ↑ 267%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 73%
$2,176/mo ↑ 91%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 48%
663,972
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $892/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $10,704/year.

Median household income is $30,485/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Boston or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 176 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $892/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Pasadena?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $30,485/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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