Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Riverside is 35% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,812/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 22%
$88,575/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 17%
$542,100 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 93%
$1,880/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 24%
316,241
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $406/month cheaper in Riverside, saving renters about $4,872/year.

Median household income is $15,203/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Riverside or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Pasadena?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $406/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Pasadena?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $15,203/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Pasadena details →

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