Home / Compare / Lincoln vs Pasadena

Lincoln, CA vs Pasadena, CA

153
Lincoln
California
VS
-20.9%
193
Pasadena
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lincoln is 20.9% cheaper than Pasadena. With a cost index of 153 vs 193, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lincoln to Pasadena should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Lincoln is $2,081/month compared to $2,218/month in Pasadena — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lincoln is more affordable at $628,500 median vs $1,045,000.

Median household income in Lincoln is $108,108 compared to $103,778 in Pasadena (+4.2%). Lincoln offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Lincoln spend roughly 23.1% of their income on rent, less than the 25.6% in Pasadena.

Climate-wise, Pasadena is notably warmer with an average of 65.8°F compared to 61.2°F in Lincoln. Lincoln receives more rainfall at 18" per year compared to 14.3" in Pasadena.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Lincoln
153
21% cheaper
Pasadena
193
Median Household Income
Lincoln
$108,108
4% higher
Pasadena
$103,778

Housing

Median Rent
Lincoln
$2,081
6% cheaper
Pasadena
$2,218
Median Home Value
Lincoln
$628,500
40% cheaper
Pasadena
$1,045,000
Population
Lincoln
51,629
Pasadena
136,462

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

$
Formula:

Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Lincoln $1,784
Pasadena $2,031
12% cheaper
1 Bed
Lincoln $1,871
Pasadena $2,272
18% cheaper
2 Bed
Lincoln $2,305
Pasadena $2,835
19% cheaper
3 Bed
Lincoln $3,077
Pasadena $3,599
15% cheaper
4 Bed
Lincoln $3,552
Pasadena $4,010
11% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Lincoln $3.22
Pasadena $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Lincoln $2.62
Pasadena $2.68
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Lincoln $4.22
Pasadena $4.31
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Lincoln $1.94
Pasadena $1.98
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Lincoln $4.35
Pasadena $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Lincoln $0.26
Pasadena $0.27
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Lincoln 61.2°F
Pasadena 65.8°F
Summer High
Lincoln 94°F
Pasadena 82°F
Winter Low
Lincoln 38°F
Pasadena 49°F
Rainfall
Lincoln 18"
Pasadena 14.3"
Rainy Days
Lincoln 70d
Pasadena 34d