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Cost of Living in Pasadena

Is it better to rent or buy in Pasadena? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$115,607
$2,334/mo

Median in area: $2,334

$1,085,620

Median in area: $1,085,620

$217,124

If you Rent

$2,507 /mo
Base Rent$2,334
Est. Utilities$173
% of Income26.0%
Pre-tax Residual$7,127

If you Buy

$6,539 /mo
P&I (6.88%)$5,708
Taxes & Ins$658
Est. Utilities$173
% of Income67.9%
Pre-tax Residual$3,095

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Pasadena?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Pasadena. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,507, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $6,539 per month (a difference of $4,032).

How much do utilities cost in Pasadena?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Pasadena is approximately $173. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Pasadena?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Pasadena without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $100,280 per year.