South Pasadena, CA

Very High · 277

California · Population 26,297 · Updated March 2026

$2,218
Median Rent / Month
$128,105
Median Income
$1,545,100
Median Home Value
$2,458
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in South Pasadena

20.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$26,616
Annual Rent
$17,038
State Income Tax
$10,970
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

South Pasadena has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 277 (where 100 equals the national median), South Pasadena residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,218/month while earning a median household income of $128,105/year.

The median home value in South Pasadena, CA is $1,545,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,458 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in South Pasadena.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in South Pasadena

What is the cost of living in South Pasadena, CA?
The cost of living index in South Pasadena, CA is 277 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,218, median household income is $128,105/year, and the median home value is $1,545,100.
Is South Pasadena, CA affordable?
No, South Pasadena is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 277. The rent-to-income ratio is 20.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in South Pasadena, CA?
The median gross rent in South Pasadena, CA is $2,218 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $26,616.
What is the median household income in South Pasadena?
The median household income in South Pasadena, CA is $128,105 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.