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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Richmond

California
161

Pasadena is 53% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,201/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 58%
$64,270/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 40%
$193,600 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 236%
$1,141/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 77%
149,345
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $694/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $8,328/year.

Median household income is $25,768/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Richmond — common questions

Is Pasadena or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Richmond?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $694/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Richmond?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $25,768/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Richmond details →

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