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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Ventura

California
183

Pasadena is 20% more expensive than Ventura.

$2,218/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↓ 5%
$103,778/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↓ 3%
$1,045,000 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$778,700 ↓ 25%
$2,340/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↓ 9%
136,462
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $117/month cheaper in Ventura, saving renters about $1,404/year.

Median household income is $3,371/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Ventura — common questions

Is Pasadena or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ventura is cheaper to live in with an index of 183 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Ventura?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $117/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Ventura?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $3,371/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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Ventura details →

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