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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Pasadena is 61% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,201/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 77%
$64,270/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 62%
$193,600 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 344%
$1,141/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 97%
149,345
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $923/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $11,076/year.

Median household income is $39,949/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Pasadena or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Fullerton?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $923/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Fullerton?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $39,949/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Fullerton details →

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