Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Salt Lake City is 54% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,343/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 11%
$74,925/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 14%
$495,700 ↑ 156%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 61%
$1,394/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 18%
203,888
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $10,655/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Pasadena?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Pasadena?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $10,655/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Texas?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Pasadena details →

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