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Pasadena, CA vs Placentia, CA

193
Pasadena
California
VS
+7.1%
180
Placentia
California

Placentia is moderately more affordable than Pasadena, with a 7.1% lower cost of living index. Pasadena scores 193 compared to 180 for Placentia, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Pasadena can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month compared to $2,267/month in Placentia — a 2% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Pasadena has cheaper rent, Placentia actually has lower median home values ($871,000 vs $1,045,000).

Median household income in Pasadena is $103,778 compared to $110,575 in Placentia (-6.1%). Placentia offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Pasadena spend roughly 25.6% of their income on rent, more than the 24.6% in Placentia.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (65.8°F vs 66.2°F). Pasadena receives more rainfall at 14.3" per year compared to 11.9" in Placentia.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Pasadena
193
Placentia
180
7% cheaper
Median Household Income
Pasadena
$103,778
Placentia
$110,575
6% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Pasadena
$2,218
2% cheaper
Placentia
$2,267
Median Home Value
Pasadena
$1,045,000
Placentia
$871,000
17% cheaper
Population
Pasadena
136,462
Placentia
52,384

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Pasadena $2,031
Placentia $2,031
1 Bed
Pasadena $2,272
Placentia $2,272
2 Bed
Pasadena $2,835
Placentia $2,835
3 Bed
Pasadena $3,599
Placentia $3,599
4 Bed
Pasadena $4,010
Placentia $4,010

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Pasadena 65.8°F
Placentia 66.2°F
Summer High
Pasadena 82°F
Placentia 84°F
Winter Low
Pasadena 49°F
Placentia 46°F
Rainfall
Pasadena 14.3"
Placentia 11.9"
Rainy Days
Pasadena 34d
Placentia 38d