Cost of Living: Pasadena, TX vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Pasadena is 43% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,201/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 19%
$64,270/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 6%
$193,600 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 217%
$1,141/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 28%
149,345
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $4,108/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Pasadena or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $4,108/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View East Los Angeles details →

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