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

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Denton is 55% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,344/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 65%
$73,719/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 41%
$325,700 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 221%
$1,461/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 60%
146,987
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denton, TX and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $874/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $10,488/year.

Median household income is $30,059/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Denton or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denton and Pasadena?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $874/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Pasadena?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $30,059/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 Denton or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/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 Denton details → View Pasadena details →

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