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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

San Diego is 159% more expensive than Pasadena.

$2,223/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 46%
$104,321/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 38%
$848,500 ↑ 338%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 77%
$2,308/mo ↑ 102%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 51%
1,385,061
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,022/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $12,264/year.

Median household income is $40,051/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 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 Diego vs Pasadena — common questions

Is San Diego or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 197 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $1,022/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Pasadena?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $40,051/year higher in San Diego.
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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Pasadena

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport