Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Raleigh is 45% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,468/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 18%
$82,424/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 22%
$377,800 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 49%
$1,487/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 23%
470,763
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $267/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $3,204/year.

Median household income is $18,154/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Raleigh or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Pasadena?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $267/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Pasadena?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $18,154/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Pasadena details →

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