Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Reno is 45% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,453/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 53%
$78,448/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 32%
$498,600 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 110%
$1,482/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 58%
268,959
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $765/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $9,180/year.

Median household income is $25,330/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Reno or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Pasadena?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $765/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Pasadena?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $25,330/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Pasadena details →

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