Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Scottsdale is 117% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,910/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 37%
$107,372/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 40%
$709,900 ↑ 267%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 73%
$1,824/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 37%
242,169
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $709/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $8,508/year.

Median household income is $43,102/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Pasadena?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $709/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Pasadena?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $43,102/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Pasadena details →

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