Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Alexandria is 21% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,031/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 9%
$113,638/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 9%
$696,800 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 50%
$2,173/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 8%
156,788
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $187/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $2,244/year.

Median household income is $9,860/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Alexandria or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Pasadena?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $187/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Pasadena?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $9,860/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Pasadena

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth