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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Glendale is 182% more expensive than Pasadena.

$2,095/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 43%
$84,262/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 24%
$1,043,900 ↑ 439%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 81%
$2,212/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 48%
192,270
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $894/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $10,728/year.

Median household income is $19,992/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 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

Glendale vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Glendale or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 214 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $894/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Pasadena?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $19,992/year higher in Glendale.
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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Glendale details → View Pasadena details →

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