Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Dallas is 56% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,403/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 58%
$67,760/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 53%
$295,300 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 254%
$1,409/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 66%
1,299,553
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $815/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $9,780/year.

Median household income is $36,018/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Dallas or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Pasadena?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $815/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Pasadena?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $36,018/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Pasadena details →

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