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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Santa Clarita is 159% more expensive than Pasadena.

$2,486/mo ↑ 107%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 52%
$119,926/yr ↑ 87%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 46%
$721,000 ↑ 272%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 73%
$2,649/mo ↑ 132%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 57%
229,021
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,285/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $15,420/year.

Median household income is $55,656/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 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 Clarita vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Pasadena?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $1,285/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Pasadena?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $55,656/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clarita details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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