Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Seattle is 158% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,998/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 40%
$121,984/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 47%
$912,100 ↑ 371%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 79%
$2,220/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 49%
741,440
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $797/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $9,564/year.

Median household income is $57,714/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Seattle or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Pasadena?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $797/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Pasadena?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $57,714/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Pasadena

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport