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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Pasadena is 61% more expensive than Allen.

$2,218/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 15%
$103,778/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 24%
$1,045,000 ↑ 143%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 59%
$2,340/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↓ 11%
136,462
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $341/month cheaper in Allen, saving renters about $4,092/year.

Median household income is $25,352/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Allen — common questions

Is Pasadena or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Allen?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $341/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Allen?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $25,352/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Allen details →

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