Cost of Living: Pasadena, TX vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Pasadena is 5% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,201/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 4%
$64,270/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 13%
$193,600 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 26%
$1,141/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↑ 2%
149,345
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,617/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Columbia — common questions

Is Pasadena or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Columbia?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $43/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Columbia?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $8,617/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Columbia details →

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