Cost of Living: Vancouver, WA vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Vancouver is 44% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,632/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 36%
$78,156/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 33%
$440,300 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 137%
$1,607/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 46%
192,696
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $586/month cheaper in Vancouver, saving renters about $7,032/year.

Median household income is $25,622/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Vancouver residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Vancouver or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vancouver is cheaper to live in with an index of 123 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and Pasadena?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $586/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Pasadena?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $25,622/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Vancouver or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/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 Vancouver details → View Pasadena details →

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