2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
San Mateo, CA vs Pasadena, TX

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Pasadena or is it cheaper to live in San Mateo?
- Pasadena is 61.2% less expensive than San Mateo.

Which city has more affordable housing, Pasadena or San Mateo?
- Pasadena housing costs are 88.1% less expensive than San Mateo housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Mateo or is Health Care more affordable in Pasadena.
- Health related expenses are 19.0% less in Pasadena.
 San Mateo, CAPasadena, TXUnited States
 Overall  Unlock96.9100
 Food & Groceries116.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock95.1100
 Housing537.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$215,100$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock117.1100
 Miscellaneous161.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for San Mateo    12 Reviews

I have lived in San Mateo since 2013. It has seen tremendous growth, lots of new restaurants which have become progressively more high-end though there is ample  More

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I'm a native of California. I have lived in the southern part of the state and the northern part of the state for most of my life. I have spent the last 29 years in  More

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Over 16 years ago

San Mateo has a diverse mix of people, a pleasant climate, a very pleasant downtown park with lots going on, and pretty much whatever you need handy. It's not far to  More

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Reviews for Pasadena    10 Reviews

Over 14 years ago

For starters I'm an African American, I'm a military veteran honorably discharged , I'm a tax payer and new home owner I'm married with 3 children. I'm from Chicago  More

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Over 16 years ago

I have noticed that more and more people living in Pasadena, Texas park in their yards and I have seen a number of them even driving and parking on our side walks. It's  More

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I am considering a move to Pasadena now, but am concerned about the apparent lack of money being spent on the infrastructure. The roads are in dire need of repair and  More

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