Cost of Living: Pasadena, CA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Pasadena is 178% more expensive than Dearborn.

$2,218/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 43%
$103,778/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 37%
$1,045,000 ↑ 408%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 80%
$2,340/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 50%
136,462
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $954/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $11,448/year.

Median household income is $38,586/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Pasadena or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Dearborn?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $954/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Dearborn?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $38,586/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Dearborn details →

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