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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Norfolk is 60% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,246/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 78%
$64,017/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 62%
$271,900 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 284%
$1,366/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 71%
235,037
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

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $972/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $11,664/year.

Median household income is $39,761/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Norfolk or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Pasadena?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $972/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Pasadena?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $39,761/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 Norfolk or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Pasadena details →

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