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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Virginia Beach is 47% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,649/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 35%
$90,685/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 14%
$366,300 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 185%
$1,704/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 37%
457,066
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

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $569/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $6,828/year.

Median household income is $13,093/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Pasadena?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $569/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Pasadena?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $13,093/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 Virginia Beach or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Pasadena details →

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