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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Elk Grove is 121% more expensive than Pasadena.

$2,180/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 45%
$122,229/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 47%
$603,400 ↑ 212%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 68%
$2,227/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 49%
177,221
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $979/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $11,748/year.

Median household income is $57,959/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 168 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $979/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Pasadena?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $57,959/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% 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 76 with rent of $1,201/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. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport