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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Pasadena is 210% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,218/mo ↑ 101%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 50%
$103,778/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 40%
$1,045,000 ↑ 484%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 83%
$2,340/mo ↑ 110%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 52%
136,462
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,112/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $13,344/year.

Median household income is $41,058/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Abilene — common questions

Is Pasadena or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Abilene?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $1,112/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Abilene?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $41,058/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Abilene details →

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