Des Moines, WA vs Pasadena, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Des Moines
64.6
#1684 nationally
Pasadena
61.6
#1898 nationally
Pasadena leads in walk score (69 vs 41). Des Moines leads in crime level (8.1 vs 13.2). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (133 vs 197).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | Pasadena, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.6 (#1684) | 61.6 (#1898) |
| Population | 31,988 | 133,560 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $607,792 | $1,206,740 |
| Median Household Income | $81,362 | $97,818 |
| Average Commute | 30.2 min | 27.9 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 69 |
| Crime Level | 8.1 | 13.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 197 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+51.7 | D+32.9 |
D
64.6 Score
Des Moines, WA
Small Washington city with local appeal
Median Home
$607,792
Population
31,988
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
41
Pacific
View Des Moines, WA →
D-
61.6 Score
Pasadena, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,206,740
Population
133,560
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
69
Pacific
View Pasadena, CA →
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