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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Garden Grove is 132% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,971/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 39%
$90,166/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 29%
$765,500 ↑ 295%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 75%
$2,016/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 43%
170,603
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $770/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $9,240/year.

Median household income is $25,896/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 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

Garden Grove vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Garden 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Pasadena?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $770/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Pasadena?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $25,896/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/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 Garden Grove details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Pasadena

Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport