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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Garland is 56% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,525/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 45%
$74,717/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 39%
$248,900 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 320%
$1,445/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 62%
245,298
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $693/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $8,316/year.

Median household income is $29,061/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Garland or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Pasadena?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $693/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Pasadena?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $29,061/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 Garland or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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