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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Pasadena is 45% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,201/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 53%
$64,270/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 32%
$193,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 147%
$1,141/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 57%
149,345
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $641/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $7,692/year.

Median household income is $20,347/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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 Maria — common questions

Is Pasadena or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $641/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $20,347/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Santa Maria details →

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