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Pasadena, CA vs Rosemead, CA

193
Pasadena
California
VS
+26.7%
152
Rosemead
California

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.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Pasadena
193
Rosemead
152
21% cheaper
Median Household Income
Pasadena
$103,778
30% higher
Rosemead
$72,248

Housing

Median Rent
Pasadena
$2,218
Rosemead
$1,728
22% cheaper
Median Home Value
Pasadena
$1,045,000
Rosemead
$729,600
30% cheaper
Population
Pasadena
136,462
Rosemead
50,340

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

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

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Pasadena 65.8°F
Rosemead 65.8°F
Summer High
Pasadena 82°F
Rosemead 82°F
Winter Low
Pasadena 49°F
Rosemead 49°F
Rainfall
Pasadena 14.3"
Rosemead 14.3"
Rainy Days
Pasadena 34d
Rosemead 34d