Pasadena, CA vs Santa Maria, 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
Santa Maria
63.3
#1783 nationally
Santa Maria leads in cost of living index (138 vs 197). Pasadena leads in crime level (13.2 vs 18.1). Pasadena leads in walk score (69 vs 52).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Pasadena, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.6 (#1898) | 63.3 (#1783) |
| Population | 133,560 | 109,987 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,206,740 | $668,983 |
| Median Household Income | $97,818 | $81,237 |
| Average Commute | 27.9 min | 22.1 min |
| Walk Score | 69 | 52 |
| Crime Level | 13.2 | 18.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 197 | 138 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+26.7 |
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
63.3 Score
Santa Maria, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$668,983
Population
109,987
Crime
High
Walk Score
52
Pacific
View Santa Maria, CA →
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