Cost of Living: Pasadena, TX vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Pasadena is 68% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,201/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 128%
$64,270/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 97%
$193,600 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 437%
$1,141/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 131%
149,345
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,541/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $18,492/year.

Median household income is $62,199/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Pasadena or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Cambridge?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,541/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Cambridge?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $62,199/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Cambridge details →

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