Cost of Living: Pasadena, CA vs Provo, UT (2026)

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Pasadena is 116% more expensive than Provo.

$2,218/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 48%
$103,778/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 39%
$1,045,000 ↑ 139%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 58%
$2,340/mo ↑ 92%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 48%
136,462
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,066/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $12,792/year.

Median household income is $40,978/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Provo — common questions

Is Pasadena or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Provo?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $1,066/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Provo?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $40,978/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Provo details →

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