Pasadena, CA vs San Diego, 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.
Pasadena
61.6
#1898 nationally
San Diego
65.3
#1643 nationally
Pasadena leads in walk score (69 vs 52). San Diego leads in cost of living index (165 vs 197). San Diego leads in average commute (25.4 min vs 27.9 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Pasadena, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.6 (#1898) | 65.3 (#1643) |
| Population | 133,560 | 1,388,320 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,206,740 | $994,682 |
| Median Household Income | $97,818 | $89,457 |
| Average Commute | 27.9 min | 25.4 min |
| Walk Score | 69 | 52 |
| Crime Level | 13.2 | Moderate-Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 6.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 197 | 165 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+16.8 |
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 →
D
65.3 Score
San Diego, CA
America's Finest City
Median Home
$994,682
Population
1,388,320
Crime
Moderate-Low
Schools
B
Pacific
View San Diego, CA →
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