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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Pasadena is 70% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,201/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 77%
$64,270/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 69%
$193,600 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 598%
$1,141/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 105%
149,345
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $926/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $11,112/year.

Median household income is $44,288/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Pasadena or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Berkeley?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $926/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Berkeley?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $44,288/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Berkeley details →

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