Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Elk Grove is 24% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,180/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 2%
$122,229/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 15%
$603,400 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 73%
$2,227/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 5%
177,221
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,451/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Pasadena?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Pasadena?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $18,451/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Pasadena

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth