Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Columbus is 9% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,224/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 2%
$65,327/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 2%
$234,500 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 17%
$1,243/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 8%
906,480
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,057/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Columbus or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Pasadena?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Pasadena?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $1,057/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Texas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Pasadena

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport