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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Pasadena is 142% more expensive than College Station.

$2,218/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 47%
$103,778/yr ↑ 100%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 50%
$1,045,000 ↑ 220%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 69%
$2,340/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 47%
136,462
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,050/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $12,600/year.

Median household income is $52,002/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs College Station — common questions

Is Pasadena or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and College Station?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $1,050/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or College Station?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $52,002/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View College Station details →

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