Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Modesto is 45% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,609/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 38%
$77,899/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 33%
$415,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 151%
$1,613/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 45%
218,614
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $609/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $7,308/year.

Median household income is $25,879/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Modesto or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Pasadena?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $609/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Pasadena?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $25,879/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 Modesto or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Pasadena details →

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