Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Chandler is 39% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,806/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 23%
$103,691/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$103,778/yr ≈ Same
$469,800 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 122%
$1,743/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 34%
278,123
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $412/month cheaper in Chandler, saving renters about $4,944/year.

Median household income is $87/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Chandler or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chandler is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Pasadena?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $412/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Pasadena?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $87/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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