Cost of Living: Pasadena, CA vs Vallejo, CA (2026)

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Pasadena is 42% more expensive than Vallejo.

$2,218/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↓ 9%
$103,778/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↓ 14%
$1,045,000 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$557,500 ↓ 47%
$2,340/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↓ 12%
136,462
Population
124,637

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $205/month cheaper in Vallejo, saving renters about $2,460/year.

Median household income is $14,282/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Pasadena or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vallejo is cheaper to live in with an index of 155 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Vallejo?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $205/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Vallejo?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $14,282/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Vallejo details →

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