Cost of Living: Pasadena, TX vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Pasadena is 32% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,201/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 22%
$64,270/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,874/yr ≈ Same
$193,600 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 103%
$1,141/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 35%
149,345
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $262/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $3,144/year.

Median household income is $396/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Pasadena or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $262/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $396/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Jersey?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Elizabeth details →

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