Milpitas, CA vs South Pasadena, CA

Milpitas, CA and South Pasadena, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.5% difference in their overall index. Milpitas scores 231 while South Pasadena scores 234 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Milpitas is $3,112/month compared to $2,218/month in South Pasadena — a 40% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while South Pasadena has cheaper rent, Milpitas actually has lower median home values ($1,180,000 vs $1,545,100).

Median household income in Milpitas is $176,822 compared to $128,105 in South Pasadena (+38%). Milpitas offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Milpitas spend roughly 21.1% of their income on rent, more than the 20.8% in South Pasadena.

Climate-wise, South Pasadena is notably warmer with an average of 65.8°F compared to 60.7°F in Milpitas. South Pasadena receives more rainfall at 14.3" per year compared to 13.5" in Milpitas.