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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Pasadena is 54% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,201/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 82%
$64,270/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 59%
$193,600 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 206%
$1,141/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 95%
149,345
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $990/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $11,880/year.

Median household income is $38,051/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Pasadena or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Fairfield?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $990/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Fairfield?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $38,051/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pasadena and Fairfield

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