Paramount, CA vs Pasadena, CA
The cost of living difference between Paramount, CA and Pasadena, CA is dramatic. Paramount is 30.1% cheaper than Pasadena, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Paramount has a cost index of 135 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 Paramount is $1,772/month compared to $2,218/month in Pasadena — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Paramount is more affordable at $500,400 median vs $1,045,000.
Median household income in Paramount is $70,912 compared to $103,778 in Pasadena (-31.7%). While Pasadena is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Paramount spend roughly 30% of their income on rent, more than the 25.6% in Pasadena.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.9°F vs 65.8°F). Pasadena receives more rainfall at 14.3" per year compared to 12" in Paramount.
Income & Cost
Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)