Pasadena, CA vs San Marcos, 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 Marcos
62.2
#1870 nationally
San Marcos leads in crime level (6.1 vs 13.2). Pasadena leads in walk score (69 vs 33). San Marcos leads in cost of living index (166 vs 197).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Pasadena, CA | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.6 (#1898) | 62.2 (#1870) |
| Population | 133,560 | 94,188 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,206,740 | $953,736 |
| Median Household Income | $97,818 | $99,413 |
| Average Commute | 27.9 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 69 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 13.2 | 6.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 197 | 166 |
| 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-
62.2 Score
San Marcos, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$953,736
Population
94,188
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
33
Pacific
View San Marcos, CA →
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