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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Palmdale is 41% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,736/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 28%
$81,151/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 28%
$435,300 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 140%
$1,831/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 28%
165,487
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $482/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $5,784/year.

Median household income is $22,627/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Palmdale or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Pasadena?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $482/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Pasadena?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $22,627/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 Palmdale or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palmdale and Pasadena

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