71
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Pasadena wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Pasadena wins 0–2 overall (74/100)
💰 Pasadena is more affordable
💼 Pasadena has lower unemployment
📋 Houston vs Pasadena — The Verdict
Pasadena scores 74.2/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Pasadena has a clear edge with home prices 27% lower. Pasadena may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Pasadena are 27% lower — a difference of $63,400 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Pasadena saves you $76/month — that's $912 per year.
💵
Households in Pasadena earn $4,258 more per year (7% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$235,000
$171,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,159
Median Income
$60,440
$64,698
The affordability gap is significant — Pasadena offers home prices 27% lower than Houston, translating to $63,400 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.3%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
13 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
21
21
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Houston to Pasadena: Common Questions
Is Houston or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Pasadena is more affordable overall. Home prices are $63,400 lower in Pasadena. Monthly rent is $1,159 in Pasadena vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Pasadena have better weather?
Pasadena scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Pasadena better for finding a job?
Pasadena currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in Pasadena. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $64,698 in Pasadena.
Which city is safer — Houston or Pasadena?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Pasadena is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 21 in Pasadena. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Pasadena.
Should I move from Houston to Pasadena?
Based on our data, Pasadena scores 74.2/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Pasadena is more affordable, while Pasadena has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.