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

Orange

California
206
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Orange is 6% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,252/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↓ 2%
$116,945/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 11%
$900,700 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 16%
$2,394/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↓ 2%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,167/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Orange or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orange is cheaper to live in with an index of 206 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Pasadena?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Pasadena?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $13,167/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Pasadena

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