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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Ontario is 31% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,916/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 16%
$82,806/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 25%
$568,000 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 84%
$1,967/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 19%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $20,972/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Ontario or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Pasadena?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Pasadena?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $20,972/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 Ontario or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Pasadena

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth