Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Denver is 93% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,770/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 32%
$91,681/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 30%
$586,700 ↑ 203%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 67%
$1,839/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 38%
713,734
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $569/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $6,828/year.

Median household income is $27,411/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Denver or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Pasadena?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $569/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Pasadena?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $27,411/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Pasadena

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport