Pasadena, TX vs San Marcos, TX
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
75.2
#490 nationally
San Marcos
70.5
#1100 nationally
San Marcos leads in crime level (9.8 vs 15.5). Pasadena leads in median household income ($64,698 vs $47,394). Pasadena leads in walk score (43 vs 39).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Pasadena, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.2 (#490) | 70.5 (#1100) |
| Population | 146,716 | 71,569 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $218,827 | $310,480 |
| Median Household Income | $64,698 | $47,394 |
| Average Commute | 25.7 min | 23.7 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 15.5 | 9.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 100 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.5 | D+5.6 |
C
75.2 Score
Pasadena, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$218,827
Population
146,716
Crime
High
Walk Score
43
Southwest
View Pasadena, TX →
C-
70.5 Score
San Marcos, TX
Texas community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$310,480
Population
71,569
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
39
Southwest
View San Marcos, TX →