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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Tacoma is 66% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,597/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 25%
$83,857/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 23%
$454,600 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 57%
$1,747/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 35%
220,482
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $396/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $4,752/year.

Median household income is $19,587/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Tacoma or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Pasadena?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $396/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Pasadena?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $19,587/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Pasadena details →

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