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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Plano is 40% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,792/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 24%
$108,649/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 4%
$440,600 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 137%
$1,829/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 28%
287,339
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $426/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $5,112/year.

Median household income is $4,871/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Plano or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Pasadena?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $426/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Pasadena?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $4,871/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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