Pasadena, CA vs Rosemead, CA
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Rosemead is 26.7% cheaper than Pasadena. With a cost index of 152 vs 193, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Rosemead to Pasadena should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month compared to $1,728/month in Rosemead — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rosemead is more affordable at $729,600 median vs $1,045,000.
Median household income in Pasadena is $103,778 compared to $72,248 in Rosemead (+43.6%). 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 Pasadena spend roughly 25.6% of their income on rent, less than the 28.7% in Rosemead.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (65.8°F vs 65.8°F). Rosemead receives more rainfall at 14.3" per year compared to 14.3" in Pasadena.
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Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)