Is Austin, TX cheaper than Pasadena, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 13.5% more expensive than Pasadena, TX. This translates to spending an extra $1014 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Pasadena, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Pasadena, TX, you'd need approximately $162,172.687 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Pasadena, TX and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 55.6% more expensive than in Pasadena, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,103/month in Pasadena, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Pasadena, TX to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $1014 more per month than Pasadena, TX, or $12173 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Pasadena, TX vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Pasadena, TX — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Houston, TX area

Current salary in Pasadena, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.0K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.2K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 13.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,014

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$12.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Pasadena, TX

Population:147K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$203K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:114

Median Home:$558K

Pasadena, TX

The Lone Star State

147K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 147K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Pasadena, TX vs Austin, TX

Category	Pasadena, TX	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,854/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $1,031more	55.6%
📦Other	$1,662/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $78.94more	4.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,363/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $78.61less	5.8%
🛒Groceries	$884/mo	$959/mo	↑ $75.64more	8.6%
🏥Healthcare	$545/mo	$589/mo	↑ $43.70more	8.0%
⚡All Utilities	$536/mo	$541/mo	↑ $5.30more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 55.6%

Pasadena, TX

$1,854

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$1,031

📦Other

↑ 4.7%

Pasadena, TX

$1,662

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$78.94

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.8%

Pasadena, TX

$1,363

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$78.61

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.6%

Pasadena, TX

$884

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$75.64

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.0%

Pasadena, TX

$545

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$43.70

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.0%

Pasadena, TX

$536

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$5.30

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$895

To$1,585

↑ $690

1 Bed

From$927

To$1,685

↑ $758

2 Bed

From$1,103

To$1,995

↑ $892

3 Bed

From$1,482

To$2,525

↑ $1,043

Pasadena, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,060–$1,650/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,843

Monthly in Pasadena, TX

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$1,156

Difference

Home Values

Pasadena

Austin

$203K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -4.9%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +21.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$159K - $307K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 175% more expensive than Pasadena

Calculate payment - Pasadena Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Pasadena, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Pasadena, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.