47
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Pasadena wins 4–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Pasadena wins 0–4 overall (74/100)
💰 Pasadena is more affordable
💼 Pasadena has lower unemployment
🛡️ Pasadena has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Pasadena — The Verdict
Pasadena scores 74.2/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Pasadena has a clear edge with home prices 79% lower. Pasadena has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.3%. For safety-conscious movers, Pasadena has a notably lower disaster history with 33 fewer declarations in 20 years. Pasadena may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Pasadena are 79% lower — a difference of $651,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Pasadena saves you $632/month — that's $7,584 per year.
💵
Households in Los Angeles earn $11,546 more per year (18% higher median income).
📊
Pasadena has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Pasadena has experienced 33 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$171,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,159
Median Income
$76,244
$64,698
The affordability gap is significant — Pasadena offers home prices 79% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $651,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
4.3%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Pasadena having a slight edge at 4.3% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
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)
54
21
Pasadena has a markedly lower disaster history — 33 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Pasadena: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Pasadena is more affordable overall. Home prices are $651,000 lower in Pasadena. Monthly rent is $1,159 in Pasadena vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Pasadena have better weather?
Pasadena scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Pasadena better for finding a job?
Pasadena currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 4.3% in Pasadena. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $64,698 in Pasadena.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Pasadena?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Pasadena is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 21 in Pasadena. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Pasadena.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Pasadena?
Based on our data, Pasadena scores 74.2/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Pasadena is more affordable, while Pasadena has a better climate.
Planning to move from Los Angeles to Pasadena?
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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.