Santa Rosa, CA vs Pasadena, TX: 172 vs 76

$2,084/mo ↑ 74%

Median Rent

$1,201/mo ↓ 42%

$97,410/yr ↑ 52%

Median Income

$64,270/yr ↓ 34%

$685,000 ↑ 254%

Home Value

$193,600 ↓ 72%

$2,130/mo ↑ 87%

Owner Costs

$1,141/mo ↓ 46%

177,216

Population

149,345

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $883/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $10,596/year.

Median household income is $33,140/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 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 Rosa vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Pasadena cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Pasadena?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $883/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Pasadena?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $33,140/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa or Pasadena?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa, CA vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Santa Rosa

Pasadena

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons