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 — $518,000 less than San Francisco, CA's $1,571,000. 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 83/100 (very 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 | $1.57M |
| Median Rent | $4K | $3K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $123K | $190K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate ✓ More stable | High |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 10/100 | 83/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 66/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 57/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 15 min | 5 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 professionalstech workersstudents |
Bottom line
For families or those on a budget, Pasadena 91105 is the better choice due to its more affordable housing and a slightly more balanced cost of living. However, if you're a young professional or tech worker willing and able to pay the sky-high price, San Francisco's Castro might be worth considering for its top schools, walkability, and access to employment opportunities. Ultimately, neither neighborhood is ideal for those seeking a low-cost lifestyle.
Share this comparison