Cost of Living: Pasadena, CA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Pasadena

California
220
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Pasadena is 201% more expensive than High Point.

$2,218/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 52%
$103,778/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 41%
$1,045,000 ↑ 392%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 80%
$2,340/mo ↑ 116%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 54%
136,462
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,156/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $13,872/year.

Median household income is $42,550/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs High Point — common questions

Is Pasadena or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and High Point?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $1,156/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or High Point?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $42,550/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View High Point details →

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