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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

San Bernardino is 43% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,433/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 16%
$63,988/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$64,270/yr ≈ Same
$384,900 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 50%
$1,478/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 23%
221,774
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $282/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 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

San Bernardino vs Pasadena — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Pasadena?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Pasadena?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $282/year higher in Pasadena.
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 San Bernardino or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Pasadena details →

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