Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Mesa is 41% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,478/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 19%
$78,779/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 18%
$364,300 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 47%
$1,404/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 19%
507,478
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $14,509/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Mesa or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Pasadena?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Pasadena?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $14,509/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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