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

Roseville

California
168
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Roseville is 24% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,099/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 6%
$117,354/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 12%
$630,600 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 66%
$2,226/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 5%
152,438
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

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Roseville, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Roseville, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $13,576/year higher in Roseville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Roseville is $630,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Roseville vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Roseville or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Roseville is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Roseville and Pasadena?
Median rent in Roseville is $2,099/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Roseville or Pasadena?
Median household income is $117,354 in Roseville and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $13,576/year higher in Roseville.
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 Roseville or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Roseville has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,099/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 Roseville details → View Pasadena details →

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