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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Fresno is 33% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,324/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 9%
$66,804/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 4%
$348,500 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 44%
$1,391/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 18%
543,615
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $2,534/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 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

Fresno vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Fresno or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 101 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Pasadena?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $2,534/year higher in Fresno.
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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Pasadena details →

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