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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Pasadena is 75% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,201/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 149%
$64,270/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 170%
$193,600 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 689%
$1,141/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 167%
149,345
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,784/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $21,408/year.

Median household income is $109,400/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Pasadena or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,784/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $109,400/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pasadena and Santa Clara

Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville