Cost of Living: Las Vegas, NV vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Las Vegas

Nevada
111
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Las Vegas is 50% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,456/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 52%
$70,723/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 47%
$395,300 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 164%
$1,452/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 61%
650,873
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Vegas, NV and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $762/month cheaper in Las Vegas, saving renters about $9,144/year.

Median household income is $33,055/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Vegas is $395,300 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Las Vegas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Vegas vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Las Vegas or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Vegas is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Vegas and Pasadena?
Median rent in Las Vegas is $1,456/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $762/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Vegas or Pasadena?
Median household income is $70,723 in Las Vegas and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $33,055/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Las Vegas or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Las Vegas has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,456/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 Las Vegas details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Las Vegas and Pasadena

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