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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Richmond is 55% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,314/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 69%
$62,671/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 66%
$328,100 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 219%
$1,374/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 70%
227,595
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

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $904/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $10,848/year.

Median household income is $41,107/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Richmond or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Pasadena?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $904/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Pasadena?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $41,107/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 Richmond or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Pasadena details →

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