Cost of Living: Pasadena, CA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Pasadena is 8% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,218/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 24%
$103,778/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 22%
$1,045,000 ≈ Same
Home Value
$1,040,500 ≈ Same
$2,340/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 13%
136,462
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $524/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $6,288/year.

Median household income is $22,691/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Pasadena or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 220 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Cambridge?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $524/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Cambridge?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $22,691/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Cambridge details →

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