Cost of Living in Pasadena, CA
Population 136,462 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Pasadena's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1 million for a typical home, 243% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $103,778 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pasadena
The median home value in Pasadena is $1,045,000 — 243% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,218/month, 69% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $103,778/year is 39% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, above 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, Pasadena has a cost of living index of 273 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 173% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Pasadena, CA?
Pasadena has a cost index of 273 (100 = national average). It is 173% above the national average.
What is average rent in Pasadena, CA?
The median gross rent in Pasadena is $2,218 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pasadena?
The median home value in Pasadena is $1,045,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pasadena?
The median household income in Pasadena is $103,778 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pasadena, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pasadena is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Pasadena, CA affordable?
Pasadena is above average in cost of living, with an index of 273 — about 173% higher than the national average.
Pasadena at a Glance
- Population
- 136,462
- Median Income
- $103,778
- Home Value
- $1,045,000
- Median Rent
- $2,218/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs