Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Pasadena?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pasadena, you need to earn at least $101,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $97,818, which means the typical resident is $3,382 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 137,554

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,771	$5,903	$70,840	$-26,978
1 Bedroom	$2,100	$7,000	$84,000	$-13,818
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,530	$8,433	$101,200	+$3,382
3 Bedroom	$3,087	$10,290	$123,480	+$25,662
4 Bedroom	$3,795	$12,650	$151,800	+$53,982

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Pasadena's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$97,818

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$101,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$3,382

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 31.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Pasadena

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Pasadena's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,445

Studio

$1,771/mo

1 BR

$2,100/mo

2 BR

$2,530/mo

3 BR

$3,087/mo

4 BR

$3,795/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Pasadena.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Pasadena's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Pasadena

Renting in Pasadena is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $3,382, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $1,771/month.

If you're relocating to Pasadena, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,771–$2,100/month) unless your income exceeds $101,200. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $1,265/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Pasadena is approximately $151,800. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Pasadena, California.

With a total population of 137,554, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 73,930 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $101,200 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

73,930

Active civilian employees in Pasadena

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Pasadena

What salary do I need to live in Pasadena, California?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pasadena under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $101,200. The median household income in Pasadena is $97,818.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Pasadena on $97,818?

The affordability verdict for Pasadena is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 31.0%, meaning there's a $3,382 income gap.

What is the average rent in Pasadena compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Pasadena is $2,100/month. With a median household income of $97,818, residents spend approximately 31.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Pasadena?

A studio in Pasadena rents for approximately $1,771/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $70,840 to afford this.

Is Pasadena considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $3,382 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Pasadena is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $101,200 to the local median household income.

How Pasadena Compares

Other cities in California with salary requirements