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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Arlington is 8% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,275/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↓ 3%
$140,160/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 26%
$864,800 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 21%
$2,414/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↓ 3%
235,463
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

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $36,382/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Arlington or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 203 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Pasadena?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Pasadena?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $36,382/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Pasadena details →

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