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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Palmdale is 71% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,736/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 31%
$81,151/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 21%
$435,300 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 56%
$1,831/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 38%
165,487
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $16,881/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 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

Palmdale vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Palmdale or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 130 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Pasadena?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $16,881/year higher in Palmdale.
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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/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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