Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Jersey City is 95% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,902/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 37%
$94,813/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 32%
$534,500 ↑ 176%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 64%
$2,006/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 43%
289,691
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $701/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $8,412/year.

Median household income is $30,543/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Jersey City or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Pasadena?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $701/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Pasadena?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $30,543/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Pasadena details →

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