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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Fort Worth is 56% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,412/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 57%
$76,602/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 35%
$277,300 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 277%
$1,489/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 57%
941,311
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $806/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $9,672/year.

Median household income is $27,176/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Pasadena?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $806/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Pasadena?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $27,176/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 Fort Worth or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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 Fort Worth details → View Pasadena details →

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