Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Los Angeles is 33% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,879/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 18%
$80,366/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 29%
$879,500 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 19%
$2,055/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 14%
3,857,897
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $23,412/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Pasadena?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Pasadena?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $23,412/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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.
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