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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Pasadena is 67% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,201/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 99%
$64,270/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 71%
$193,600 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 445%
$1,141/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 116%
149,345
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,194/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $14,328/year.

Median household income is $45,803/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Pasadena or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,194/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $45,803/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Costa Mesa details →

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