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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Stockton is 51% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,495/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 20%
$76,851/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 16%
$412,900 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 53%
$1,555/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 27%
320,470
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $12,581/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 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

Stockton vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Stockton or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Pasadena?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Pasadena?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $12,581/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Pasadena details →

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