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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Fremont is 266% more expensive than Pasadena.

$2,905/mo ↑ 142%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 59%
$176,350/yr ↑ 174%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 64%
$1,289,400 ↑ 566%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 85%
$3,000/mo ↑ 163%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 62%
228,518
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,704/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $20,448/year.

Median household income is $112,080/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 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

Fremont vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Fremont or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Pasadena?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $1,704/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Pasadena?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $112,080/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Pasadena

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport