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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Downey

California
169

Pasadena is 55% cheaper than Downey.

$1,201/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 58%
$64,270/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 36%
$193,600 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 276%
$1,141/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 75%
149,345
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $691/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $8,292/year.

Median household income is $23,130/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Downey — common questions

Is Pasadena or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Downey?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $691/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Downey?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $23,130/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Downey details →

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