Cost of Living: Sunnyvale, CA vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Sunnyvale is 55% more expensive than Pasadena.

$3,065/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↓ 28%
$181,862/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 43%
$1,816,600 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↓ 42%
$3,016/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↓ 22%
153,455
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $847/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $10,164/year.

Median household income is $78,084/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 220 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Pasadena?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $847/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Pasadena?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $78,084/year higher in Sunnyvale.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Sunnyvale or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sunnyvale details → View Pasadena details →

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