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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Pasadena is 70% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,201/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 123%
$64,270/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 117%
$193,600 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 498%
$1,141/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 145%
149,345
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,477/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $17,724/year.

Median household income is $75,056/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Pasadena or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,477/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $75,056/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Carlsbad details →

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