Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Philadelphia is 12% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,323/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 9%
$60,698/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↑ 6%
$232,400 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 17%
$1,233/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 7%
1,582,432
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $3,572/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Pasadena?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Pasadena?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $3,572/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Texas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and Pasadena

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport