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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Torrance

California
218

Pasadena is 65% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,201/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 84%
$64,270/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 76%
$193,600 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 435%
$1,141/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 101%
149,345
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,013/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $12,156/year.

Median household income is $48,835/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Torrance — common questions

Is Pasadena or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Torrance?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $1,013/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Torrance?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $48,835/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

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