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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Phoenix is 43% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,458/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 18%
$77,041/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 17%
$381,900 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 49%
$1,430/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 20%
1,624,832
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $12,771/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Phoenix or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 109 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Pasadena?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $12,771/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% 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 76 with rent of $1,201/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

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