Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Washington is 125% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,900/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 37%
$106,287/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 40%
$724,600 ↑ 274%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 73%
$2,103/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 46%
672,079
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $699/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $8,388/year.

Median household income is $42,017/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Washington or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Pasadena?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $699/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Pasadena?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $42,017/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Texas?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Pasadena

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport