Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Miami is 41% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,657/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 34%
$59,390/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 75%
$475,200 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 120%
$1,666/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 40%
446,663
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $561/month cheaper in Miami, saving renters about $6,732/year.

Median household income is $44,388/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Miami or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami is cheaper to live in with an index of 129 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Pasadena?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $561/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Pasadena?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $44,388/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Pasadena details →

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