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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Pasadena is 80% more expensive than Round Rock.

$2,218/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↓ 23%
$103,778/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↓ 6%
$1,045,000 ↑ 172%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 63%
$2,340/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↓ 24%
136,462
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $505/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $6,060/year.

Median household income is $6,591/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Pasadena or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Round Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Round Rock?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $505/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Round Rock?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $6,591/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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Round Rock details →

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