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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Pasadena is 165% more expensive than Odessa.

$2,218/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 40%
$103,778/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 30%
$1,045,000 ↑ 402%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 80%
$2,340/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 47%
136,462
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $896/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $10,752/year.

Median household income is $30,748/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Odessa — common questions

Is Pasadena or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Odessa?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $896/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Odessa?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $30,748/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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pasadena and Odessa

Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham