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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Sacramento is 74% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,694/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 29%
$83,753/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 23%
$484,600 ↑ 150%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 60%
$1,752/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 35%
524,802
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $493/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $5,916/year.

Median household income is $19,483/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Sacramento or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 132 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $493/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Pasadena?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $19,483/year higher in Sacramento.
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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Pasadena details →

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