Cost of Living in East Pasadena, CA

Population 5,592 · California · Data vintage 2023

259
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

East Pasadena's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1 million for a typical home, 229% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $105,714 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 2.2% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, East Pasadena is part of the immediate Pasadena metro area. Housing prices track closely with Pasadena's $1 million median.

Cost Overview

Housing 329
Rent 155

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in East Pasadena

The median home value in East Pasadena is $1,002,700 — 229% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,038/month, 55% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $105,714/year is 42% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, East Pasadena has a cost of living index of 259 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 159% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,002,700
229% above avg
Median Rent
$2,038/mo
55% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
41.0x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 72.6%
Renter-occupied 27.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,038
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,652/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
29.5 min
9% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
63.2%
Carpooled
14.8%
Public transit
3.4%
Walked
2.0%
Work from home
12.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$105,714
42% above avg
Per Capita Income
$55,047
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
55% below avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
Labor Force Participation
61.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 31.7%
Graduate degree 21.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.3
Male median age 43.5
Female median age 44.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 67 — Moderate
11.2%
Good air days/yr
210
Max AQI recorded
203
PM2.5 days
150
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in East Pasadena, CA?

East Pasadena has a cost index of 259 (100 = national average). It is 159% above the national average.

What is average rent in East Pasadena, CA?

The median gross rent in East Pasadena is $2,038 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in East Pasadena?

The median home value in East Pasadena is $1,002,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in East Pasadena?

The median household income in East Pasadena is $105,714 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in East Pasadena, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in East Pasadena is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is East Pasadena, CA affordable?

East Pasadena is above average in cost of living, with an index of 259 — about 159% higher than the national average.

East Pasadena at a Glance

Population
5,592
Median Income
$105,714
Home Value
$1,002,700
Median Rent
$2,038/mo
Unemployment
2.2%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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