Cost of Living: Pasadena, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Pasadena is 45% more expensive than Arvada.

$2,218/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 19%
$103,778/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 9%
$1,045,000 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 43%
$2,340/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 17%
136,462
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $416/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $4,992/year.

Median household income is $9,618/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Arvada — common questions

Is Pasadena or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Arvada?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $416/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Arvada?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $9,618/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Arvada details →

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