Salary And Cost Of Living In South Pasadena CA

South Pasadena, CA is a highly desirable small city in the western San Gabriel Valley, known for its historic Craftsman homes, tree-lined streets, and top-rated public schools. Just minutes from Downtown Los Angeles, it attracts professionals and families who value a close-knit community with convenient access to major employment centers. However, this quality of life comes with a price. Understanding the average salary, cost of living, housing prices, neighborhoods, and schools in South Pasadena, CA is essential for anyone considering a move or evaluating a job offer in the area.

Average Salary In South Pasadena CA

Because South Pasadena is primarily residential, many residents work throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Salary levels therefore reflect both local professional opportunities and the broader LA job market.

Typical earnings in South Pasadena, CA are higher than the national average but in line with other affluent parts of Los Angeles County. Professionals in fields such as healthcare, education, technology, entertainment, and finance commonly commute to nearby Pasadena, Downtown LA, or Burbank.

Below is an approximate overview of average annual salaries by occupation near South Pasadena, CA (rounded estimates based on regional data and common roles in the area):

Occupation (South Pasadena CA Area)	Approximate Average Salary (Annual)
Registered Nurse	$95,000 – $115,000
Public School Teacher	$70,000 – $95,000
Software Engineer	$115,000 – $150,000+
Marketing / Communications Manager	$90,000 – $125,000
Administrative / Office Professional	$50,000 – $70,000
Retail / Service Worker	$35,000 – $45,000

For many households in South Pasadena, a combined income of $150,000 to $250,000+ annually is common, especially among families purchasing property within the city. This higher earning level is often necessary to keep pace with the local cost of living, which is significantly above the national average.

Cost Of Living In South Pasadena CA

The cost of living in South Pasadena, CA is notably higher than both the U.S. average and most other parts of Los Angeles County. Housing is the largest expense, but residents should also factor in transportation, groceries, healthcare, and entertainment. While the city’s walkability and transit connections to Metro Gold Line stations can reduce some transportation costs, many households still rely on one or more cars.

Below is a simplified cost of living comparison table for South Pasadena, CA relative to the U.S. average (where 100 represents the national baseline):

Category	South Pasadena CA Index	U.S. Average Index
Overall Cost Of Living	~180 – 200	100
Housing	~260 – 300	100
Groceries	~115 – 125	100
Transportation	~120 – 130	100
Healthcare	~105 – 115	100
Utilities	~100 – 110	100

Housing costs in South Pasadena, CA are the primary driver of the high cost of living. Everyday expenses, from dining out on Mission Street to shopping at nearby grocery stores, also tend to be higher than in more inland or less affluent communities. However, many residents feel the premium is justified by the city’s low crime rates, strong public schools, and high quality of life.

Average Home Values And Rents In South Pasadena CA

Real estate in South Pasadena, CA is highly competitive and consistently in demand. The city’s charming character homes, historic districts, and limited land supply keep prices elevated. Properties often receive multiple offers, particularly those located near parks, schools, and transit.

Below is an approximate snapshot of average home values and rents in South Pasadena, CA (values change frequently, so it is wise to confirm with a local real estate agent or recent listing data):

Property Type	Typical Price / Rent Range
Single-Family Home (Median Value)	$1.5M – $2.0M+
Condominium / Townhome	$800,000 – $1.2M+
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent	$2,200 – $2,800 / month
2-Bedroom Apartment Rent	$2,800 – $3,800 / month
Single-Family Home Rent	$3,800 – $6,000+ / month

To visualize how housing dominates the cost structure in South Pasadena, consider the proportional breakdown below:

Typical Monthly Budget Item	Approximate Share Of Budget
Housing (Rent/Mortgage)	45% – 55%
Transportation	10% – 15%
Groceries & Dining	15% – 20%
Healthcare & Insurance	5% – 10%
Utilities & Miscellaneous	10% – 15%

Homeownership in South Pasadena, CA typically requires a substantial down payment and strong income. Those who prefer to rent will also face premium prices, but may find it easier to enter the market compared to purchasing.

Best Neighborhoods In South Pasadena CA

Despite its relatively compact size, South Pasadena, CA offers a variety of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own appeal. From historic districts to hillside homes with city views, the community has a range of options for different lifestyles and budgets (within a generally high-cost framework).

Some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in South Pasadena, CA include:

Neighborhood	Key Features
Historic Districts Near Mission Street	Classic Craftsman and character homes, walkable to shops, restaurants, Metro station, and local events; extremely high demand.
Monterey Hills / Hillside Areas	Hillside properties with views, mix of mid-century and newer homes, quieter streets, quick access to major freeways.
Arroyo Area Near Parks	Proximity to the Arroyo Seco, larger lots, access to trails and open space; popular with outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Neighborhoods Near South Pasadena High School	Convenient for students and families, walkable to schools, athletic facilities, and local eateries.

Location within South Pasadena, CA often influences both home values and daily convenience. Properties closer to Mission Street, Gold Line stations, and top-rated schools command some of the highest prices. Those willing to live a bit farther from commercial hubs may find slightly more value while still enjoying the city’s overall benefits.

Schools In South Pasadena CA

The South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) is one of the primary reasons families are eager to live in the city. Local schools are consistently ranked among the best in California, with strong test scores, high graduation rates, and a wide array of extracurricular activities.

Key public schools in South Pasadena, CA include:

School	Type	Notable Highlights
South Pasadena High School	High School (9–12)	Strong college-prep curriculum, AP courses, competitive athletics, award-winning music and arts programs.
South Pasadena Middle School	Middle School (6–8)	Robust academic programs, advanced math and science tracks, active clubs and student organizations.
Arroyo Vista Elementary School	Elementary (K–5)	Highly rated academics, strong parent involvement, supportive community feel.
Marengo Elementary School	Elementary (K–5)	Emphasis on foundational skills, enrichment programs, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
Monterey Hills Elementary School	Elementary (K–5)	Excellent reputation, diverse student body, and a range of extracurricular offerings.

Access to top-tier public education in South Pasadena, CA is a major driver of home values and rental demand. Families often prioritize being within SPUSD boundaries, which further supports the city’s status as one of the most sought-after school districts in the region.

Living In South Pasadena CA Is It Worth The Cost

When evaluating the salary and cost of living in South Pasadena, CA, it becomes clear that the city offers an exceptional quality of life at a premium price. High housing costs, elevated everyday expenses, and competitive real estate markets can present barriers to entry. However, many residents feel that the advantages outweigh the financial challenges.

South Pasadena, CA provides:

• A small-town feel with quick access to Los Angeles job centers

• Beautiful historic neighborhoods, parks, and tree-lined streets

• Excellent public schools through the South Pasadena Unified School District

• Strong community engagement, local events, and a walkable downtown core

For individuals and families with sufficient income, South Pasadena, CA can be an outstanding place to live, work, and raise children. Those considering a move should carefully review salary offers, housing options, and long-term financial goals. By aligning income, cost of living expectations, and lifestyle priorities, it is possible to determine whether South Pasadena, CA is the right fit for your next chapter.