Let the numbers do the talking.
Pasadena, CA vs San Francisco, CA
Pasadena, CA vs San Francisco, CA: What the data shows
Pasadena, CA is in Pasadena, CA while San Francisco, CA is in San Francisco, CA — both in the same state. On home prices, Pasadena, CA is the more affordable option at $1,053,000 median — $656,100 less than San Francisco, CA's $1,709,100. WYLT rates Pasadena, CA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and San Francisco, CA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Pasadena, CA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Pasadena, CA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. San Francisco, CA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Pasadena, CA has Low flood risk and San Francisco, CA has Low flood risk.
San Francisco, CA is the more walkable neighborhood. Pasadena, CA scores 10/100 (car-dependent) versus San Francisco, CA's 95/100 (exceptionally walkable). For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Pasadena, CA rates 5/10 and San Francisco, CA rates 5/10.
| Category | Pasadena, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Think twice |
| Median Price | $1.05M ✓ Lower price | $1.71M |
| Median Rent | $4K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $123K | $150K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 10/100 | 95/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 75/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 72/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 15 min | 6 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Best for | FamiliesProfessionalsYoung adults | Young professionalsRemote workersFamilies needing good schools |
Bottom line
If you're a family looking for a good school system and want a more affordable option with a slightly longer commute, Pasadena is the better choice. If you're a young professional prioritizing walkability and don't mind paying a premium, San Francisco might work. However, for most people, Pasadena's overall value and lower cost of living make it the more attractive option.
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