Cost of Living: Corona, CA vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Corona

California
173
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Corona is 21% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,136/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 4%
$106,438/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 2%
$656,500 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 59%
$2,280/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 3%
158,839
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Corona, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Corona, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $2,660/year higher in Corona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Corona is $656,500 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Corona vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Corona or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Corona is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Corona and Pasadena?
Median rent in Corona is $2,136/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Corona or Pasadena?
Median household income is $106,438 in Corona and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $2,660/year higher in Corona.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Corona or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Corona has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,136/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 Corona details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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