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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Modesto is 58% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,609/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 25%
$77,899/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 17%
$415,600 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 53%
$1,613/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 29%
218,614
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $408/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $4,896/year.

Median household income is $13,629/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 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

Modesto vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Modesto or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 120 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $408/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Pasadena?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $13,629/year higher in Modesto.
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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport