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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Pasadena

California
220

San Francisco is 21% more expensive than Pasadena.

$2,419/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↓ 8%
$141,446/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 27%
$1,380,500 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↓ 24%
$2,620/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↓ 11%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $37,668/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Pasadena — common questions

Is San Francisco or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 220 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Pasadena?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Pasadena?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $37,668/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Pasadena details →

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