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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Los Angeles is 146% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,879/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 36%
$80,366/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 20%
$879,500 ↑ 354%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 78%
$2,055/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 44%
3,857,897
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $678/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $8,136/year.

Median household income is $16,096/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 187 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $678/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Pasadena?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $16,096/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Pasadena details →

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