Santa Ana, CA vs Pasadena, TX: 163 vs 76

$1,975/mo ↑ 64%

Median Rent

$1,201/mo ↓ 39%

$88,354/yr ↑ 37%

Median Income

$64,270/yr ↓ 27%

$657,800 ↑ 240%

Home Value

$193,600 ↓ 71%

$1,965/mo ↑ 72%

Owner Costs

$1,141/mo ↓ 42%

311,639

Population

149,345

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $774/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $9,288/year.

Median household income is $24,084/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Pasadena cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Pasadena?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $774/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Pasadena?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $24,084/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Pasadena?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Santa Ana

Pasadena

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons