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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Orange

California
206

Pasadena is 63% cheaper than Orange.

$1,201/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 88%
$64,270/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 82%
$193,600 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 365%
$1,141/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 110%
149,345
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,051/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $12,612/year.

Median household income is $52,675/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Orange — common questions

Is Pasadena or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Orange?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,051/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Orange?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $52,675/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

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