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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Ontario is 100% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,916/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 37%
$82,806/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 22%
$568,000 ↑ 193%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 66%
$1,967/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 42%
178,347
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $715/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $8,580/year.

Median household income is $18,536/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 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

Ontario vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Ontario or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 152 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $715/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Pasadena?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $18,536/year higher in Ontario.
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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/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. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport