Delano, CA vs Pasadena, CA

The cost of living difference between Delano, CA and Pasadena, CA is dramatic. Delano is 52.5% cheaper than Pasadena, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Delano has a cost index of 92 while Pasadena sits at 193, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Delano is $1,111/month compared to $2,218/month in Pasadena — a 50% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Delano is more affordable at $270,300 median vs $1,045,000.

Median household income in Delano is $61,817 compared to $103,778 in Pasadena (-40.4%). The higher salaries in Pasadena partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Delano spend roughly 21.6% of their income on rent, less than the 25.6% in Pasadena.