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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Arlington is 167% more expensive than Pasadena.

$2,275/mo ↑ 89%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 47%
$140,160/yr ↑ 118%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 54%
$864,800 ↑ 347%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 78%
$2,414/mo ↑ 112%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 53%
235,463
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,074/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $12,888/year.

Median household income is $75,890/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 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

Arlington vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Arlington or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 203 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $1,074/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Pasadena?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $75,890/year higher in Arlington.
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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Pasadena

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport