A+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
18%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Pasadena Texas National
Cost of living9492100
Goods & Services10196100
Groceries10096100
Health care9494100
Housing8283100
Transportation9092100
Utilities103104100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Pasadena, TX

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Pasadena? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Pasadena stands at 94, making it 6% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

In Pasadena, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Pasadena will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Pasadena Affordable?

Is Pasadena an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Pasadena is 28.4% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 4.6% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Pasadena has a median household income of $57,781, which is 4.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Pasadena?

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Pasadena, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates begin at 0%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Pasadena, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

New Real Estate Listings in Pasadena Area
Search Homes for Sale in Pasadena, TX

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Pasadena is 1% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Pasadena is 6% lower than the national average
  • Pasadena housing is 18% lower than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Pasadena

See all the best places to live around Pasadena

Compare Pasadena, TX Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Pasadena?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Pasadena?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Pasadena poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$77,106$6,426$1,799$2,313
      Renters$41,420$3,452$966$1,243
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Pasadena, TX, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Pasadena, the median monthly income is $77,106 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,799 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $41,420, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $966 on monthly rental expenses.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Goods & Services

      Item Pasadena National avg. Difference
      Haircut $20.33$24.2616.2%
      Beauty Salon $47.38$45.564.0%
      Toothpaste $3.48$3.706.1%
      Shampoo $1.22$1.285.0%
      Movie $12.19$12.130.4%
      Bowling $15.83$18.0012.0%

      Groceries

      Item Pasadena National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.25$5.8410.1%
      Fried Chicken $1.61$1.572.4%
      Milk $4.55$4.672.5%
      Potatoes $5.00$4.931.4%
      Pizza $11.82$12.092.2%
      Beer $10.38$10.410.3%

      Health Care

      Item Pasadena National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $125.98$125.680.2%
      Doctor $90.89$135.7833.1%
      Dentist $108.10$113.294.6%
      Ibuprofen $10.46$10.651.8%
      Lipitor $503.40$468.607.4%

      Housing

      Item Pasadena National avg. Difference
      Home Price $132,300.00$184,700.0028.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,055.86$2,346.6912.4%
      Apartment Rent $993.00$949.004.6%

      Transportation

      Item Pasadena National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.14$3.469.1%
      Tire Balancing $56.62$59.925.5%

      Utilities

      Item Pasadena National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $233.43$193.9920.3%
      Phone $208.71$192.258.6%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Barrett, TX3,3898713.0%
      Jacinto City, TX10,5448713.0%
      Galena Park, TX10,8488811.7%
      South Houston, TX17,522919.1%
      Sheldon, TX2,179918.9%
      Pasadena, TX152,537946.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sunnyvale, CA152,569266166.2%
      Kansas City, KS153,0148614.2%
      Macon-Bibb County, GA153,0268911.1%
      Palmdale, CA153,24012828.0%
      Springfield, MA153,6771022.1%
      Pasadena, TX152,537946.3%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.