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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Pasadena is 122% more expensive than Midland.

$2,218/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 37%
$103,778/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↓ 12%
$1,045,000 ↑ 250%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 71%
$2,340/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 37%
136,462
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $811/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $9,732/year.

Median household income is $12,609/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Midland — common questions

Is Pasadena or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Midland?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $811/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Midland?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $12,609/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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pasadena and Midland

Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven