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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Tempe is 58% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,623/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 26%
$77,643/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 17%
$421,900 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 54%
$1,554/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 27%
186,419
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $422/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $5,064/year.

Median household income is $13,373/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Tempe or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 120 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $422/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Pasadena?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $13,373/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% 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 76 with rent of $1,201/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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