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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Oakland is 157% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,917/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 37%
$97,369/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 34%
$924,700 ↑ 378%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 79%
$2,164/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 47%
438,072
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $716/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $8,592/year.

Median household income is $33,099/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 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

Oakland vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Oakland or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 195 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $716/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Pasadena?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $33,099/year higher in Oakland.
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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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