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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Glendale is 3% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,095/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 6%
$84,262/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 23%
$1,043,900 ≈ Same
Home Value
$1,045,000 ≈ Same
$2,212/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 6%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $19,516/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Glendale or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 214 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Pasadena?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Pasadena?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $19,516/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 Glendale or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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