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

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Alexandria is 97% more expensive than Pasadena.

$2,031/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 41%
$113,638/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 43%
$696,800 ↑ 260%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 72%
$2,173/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 47%
156,788
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $830/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $9,960/year.

Median household income is $49,368/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Alexandria or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 173 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $830/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Pasadena?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $49,368/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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