Cost of Living: Pasadena, CA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Pasadena

California
220
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Pasadena is 85% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$2,218/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 23%
$103,778/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 33%
$1,045,000 ↑ 183%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 65%
$2,340/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 29%
136,462
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $34,517/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Pasadena or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $34,517/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View West Palm Beach details →

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