Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Tempe is 45% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,623/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 37%
$77,643/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 34%
$421,900 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 148%
$1,554/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 51%
186,419
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $595/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $7,140/year.

Median household income is $26,135/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Tempe or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Pasadena?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $595/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Pasadena?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $26,135/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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