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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Chesapeake is 49% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,523/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 46%
$94,189/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 10%
$359,100 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 191%
$1,680/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 39%
251,153
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

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $695/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $8,340/year.

Median household income is $9,589/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Pasadena?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $695/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Pasadena?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $9,589/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Chesapeake or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/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 Chesapeake details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and Pasadena

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth