Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Portland is 82% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,596/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 25%
$88,792/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 28%
$557,600 ↑ 188%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 65%
$1,771/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 36%
642,715
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $24,522/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Portland or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Pasadena?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Pasadena?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $24,522/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Texas?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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