Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Fresno is 54% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,324/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 68%
$66,804/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 55%
$348,500 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 200%
$1,391/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 68%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $894/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $10,728/year.

Median household income is $36,974/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Fresno or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Pasadena?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $894/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Pasadena?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $36,974/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Fresno or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Pasadena details →

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