Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Newark is 32% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,330/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 10%
$48,416/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↑ 33%
$337,800 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 43%
$1,419/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 20%
307,188
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $15,854/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Newark or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Pasadena?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Pasadena?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $15,854/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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