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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Lancaster is 63% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,696/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 29%
$76,083/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 16%
$409,100 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 53%
$1,746/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 35%
170,013
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $495/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $5,940/year.

Median household income is $11,813/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 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

Lancaster vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Lancaster or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Pasadena?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $495/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Pasadena?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $11,813/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Pasadena

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport