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

Grand Prairie

Texas
98
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Grand Prairie is 55% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,470/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 51%
$78,889/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 32%
$272,200 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 284%
$1,480/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 58%
198,564
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Prairie, TX and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $748/month cheaper in Grand Prairie, saving renters about $8,976/year.

Median household income is $24,889/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Prairie is $272,200 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Prairie vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Grand Prairie or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Prairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Prairie and Pasadena?
Median rent in Grand Prairie is $1,470/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $748/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Prairie or Pasadena?
Median household income is $78,889 in Grand Prairie and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $24,889/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 Grand Prairie or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Prairie has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,470/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 Grand Prairie details → View Pasadena details →

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