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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Pasadena is 12% cheaper than Berkeley.

$2,218/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↓ 4%
$103,778/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 5%
$1,045,000 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 29%
$2,340/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ≈ Same
136,462
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $91/month cheaper in Berkeley, saving renters about $1,092/year.

Median household income is $4,780/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Pasadena or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 220 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Berkeley?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $91/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Berkeley?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $4,780/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Pasadena or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Berkeley details →

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