Cost of Living: Pasadena, CA vs Murrieta, CA (2026)

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Pasadena is 26% more expensive than Murrieta.

$2,218/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 5%
$103,778/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 6%
$1,045,000 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$606,900 ↓ 42%
$2,340/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 2%
136,462
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $6,002/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Pasadena or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murrieta is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Murrieta?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Murrieta?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $6,002/year higher in Murrieta.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Murrieta details →

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