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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Pasadena is 90% more expensive than Carrollton.

$2,218/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↓ 25%
$103,778/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↓ 4%
$1,045,000 ↑ 196%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 66%
$2,340/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↓ 28%
136,462
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $544/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $6,528/year.

Median household income is $4,663/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Pasadena or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Carrollton?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $544/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Carrollton?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $4,663/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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pasadena and Carrollton

Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman