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

Torrance

California
218
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Torrance and Pasadena have a similar cost of living.

$2,214/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ≈ Same
$113,105/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 8%
$1,036,600 ≈ Same
Home Value
$1,045,000 ≈ Same
$2,295/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 2%
143,499
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

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Torrance, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 218 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,327/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Torrance is $1,036,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Torrance vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Torrance or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Torrance is cheaper to live in with an index of 218 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Torrance and Pasadena?
Median rent in Torrance is $2,214/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Torrance or Pasadena?
Median household income is $113,105 in Torrance and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $9,327/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Torrance has a cost index of 218 with median rent of $2,214/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 Torrance details → View Pasadena details →

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