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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Santa Clarita is 10% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,486/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↓ 11%
$119,926/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 13%
$721,000 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 45%
$2,649/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↓ 12%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $16,148/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Pasadena?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Pasadena?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $16,148/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Pasadena

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth