Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Worcester is 37% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,415/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 15%
$67,544/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 5%
$339,500 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 43%
$1,521/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 25%
205,501
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $3,274/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Worcester or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Pasadena?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Pasadena?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $3,274/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport