Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Phoenix is 50% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,458/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 52%
$77,041/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 35%
$381,900 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 174%
$1,430/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 64%
1,624,832
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $760/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $9,120/year.

Median household income is $26,737/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Phoenix or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Pasadena?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $760/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Pasadena?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $26,737/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Pasadena

Phoenix vs. Houston Phoenix vs. Philadelphia Phoenix vs. Chicago Phoenix vs. San Antonio Phoenix vs. Los Angeles Phoenix vs. San Diego Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth