Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Chicago is 32% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,380/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 13%
$75,134/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 14%
$315,200 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 39%
$1,502/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 24%
2,707,648
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $10,864/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Chicago or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Pasadena?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Pasadena?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $10,864/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Pasadena

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport