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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Pasadena is 72% more expensive than Richardson.

$2,218/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↓ 18%
$103,778/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 7%
$1,045,000 ↑ 158%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 61%
$2,340/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 23%
136,462
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $393/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $4,716/year.

Median household income is $7,521/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Richardson — common questions

Is Pasadena or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Richardson?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $393/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Richardson?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $7,521/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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Richardson details →

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