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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Oakland is 11% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,917/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 16%
$97,369/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 7%
$924,700 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 13%
$2,164/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 8%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Oakland, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $6,409/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Oakland or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oakland is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Pasadena?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Pasadena?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $6,409/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 Oakland or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Pasadena details →

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