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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Pasadena

California
220

San Diego is 10% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,223/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ≈ Same
$104,321/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$103,778/yr ≈ Same
$848,500 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 23%
$2,308/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 1%
1,385,061
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $543/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Pasadena — common questions

Is San Diego or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Diego is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Pasadena?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Pasadena?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $543/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Pasadena details →

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