Cost of Living: Pasadena, CA vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Pasadena is 28% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$2,218/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 35%
$103,778/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 67%
$1,045,000 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 46%
$2,340/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 30%
136,462
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $767/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $9,204/year.

Median household income is $69,892/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Pasadena or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 220 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $767/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $69,892/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Santa Clara details →

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