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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Richmond

California
161

Pasadena is 37% more expensive than Richmond.

$2,218/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↓ 15%
$103,778/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 13%
$1,045,000 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$650,100 ↓ 38%
$2,340/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↓ 14%
136,462
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $323/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $3,876/year.

Median household income is $13,740/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Richmond — common questions

Is Pasadena or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 161 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Richmond?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $323/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Richmond?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $13,740/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Richmond details →

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