Cost of Living: El Paso, TX vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

El Paso

Texas
67
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

El Paso is 12% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,041/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↑ 15%
$58,734/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↑ 9%
$171,700 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$193,600 ↑ 13%
$1,044/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↑ 9%
678,147
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $5,536/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Pasadena — common questions

Is El Paso or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between El Paso and Pasadena?
Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, El Paso or Pasadena?
Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $5,536/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to El Paso or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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 El Paso details → View Pasadena details →

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