Pasadena, CA vs San Rafael, 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 Rafael
58.5
#1954 nationally
Pasadena leads in walk score (69 vs 53). San Rafael leads in median household income ($113,839 vs $97,818). Pasadena leads in crime level (13.2 vs 15.3).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Pasadena, CA | San Rafael, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.6 (#1898) | 58.5 (#1954) |
| Population | 133,560 | 59,555 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,206,740 | $1,332,023 |
| Median Household Income | $97,818 | $113,839 |
| Average Commute | 27.9 min | 27.5 min |
| Walk Score | 69 | 53 |
| Crime Level | 13.2 | 15.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 197 | 213 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+63.9 |
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 →
F
58.5 Score
San Rafael, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,332,023
Population
59,555
Crime
High
Walk Score
53
Pacific
View San Rafael, CA →
Try a different matchup
Swap Pasadena for: