Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Houston is 16% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,313/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 9%
$62,894/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↑ 2%
$253,400 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 24%
$1,316/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 13%
2,300,419
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $1,376/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Houston or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Pasadena?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Pasadena?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $1,376/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Pasadena details →

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