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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Sacramento is 40% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,694/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 31%
$83,753/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 24%
$484,600 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 116%
$1,752/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 34%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $524/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $6,288/year.

Median household income is $20,025/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Sacramento or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Pasadena?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $524/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Pasadena?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $20,025/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 Sacramento or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Pasadena details →

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