Cost of Living: Pasadena, CA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Pasadena is 228% more expensive than Independence.

$2,218/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 52%
$103,778/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 43%
$1,045,000 ↑ 528%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 84%
$2,340/mo ↑ 124%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 55%
136,462
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,157/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $13,884/year.

Median household income is $44,298/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Independence — common questions

Is Pasadena or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Independence?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $1,157/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Independence?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $44,298/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Independence details →

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