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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Riverside is 89% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,812/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 34%
$88,575/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 27%
$542,100 ↑ 180%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 64%
$1,880/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 39%
316,241
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $611/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $7,332/year.

Median household income is $24,305/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Riverside or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 144 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $611/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Pasadena?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $24,305/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Pasadena

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport