Southwest San Gabriel Valley and Pasadena, located in California, offer distinctly different living experiences. Southwest San Gabriel Valley is characterized by its multicultural, quiet communities with a suburban feel, while Pasadena is more urbanized, offering robust amenities and a dynamic lifestyle. Both places attract families, but they also attract tourists with their unique characteristics. Here's how they compare across various parameters.
The crime rate in Southwest San Gabriel Valley is slightly lower than the national average, making it safer than approximately 40% of the cities in the U.S. In Pasadena, the crime rate is slightly higher than the state average and the U.S. average but is steadily decreasing over the years. Both communities prioritize public safety and have responsive police departments. It's generally advised that tourists stay aware of their surroundings, especially at night.
Cost of Living
Pasadena is pricier than Southwest San Gabriel Valley. Pasadena's cost of living index is significantly higher than the U.S. average primarily because of housing costs. In contrast, Southwest San Gabriel Valley is more affordable with a lower cost of living index, making it a more appealing choice for families looking to relocate.
Income Tax
California’s income tax ranges from 1% to 13.3%, which applies to both Pasadena and Southwest San Gabriel Valley residents based on their income level.
Property Tax
Pasadena has a slightly higher property tax rate than Southwest San Gabriel Valley. However, both rates are lower than the national average, which can influence homebuyers' decisions.
Sales Tax
Both cities levy a sales tax rate of 9.50%, which is higher than the national average. This might impact tourists' and residents' purchase decisions.
Income
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Estimated median household income
$73,720
$86,677
Estimated per capita income
$29,945
$55,847
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
161.2
145.4
If you make $50,000 in Pasadena, you will have to make $55,433 in Southwest San Gabriel Valley to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both cities are located in the San Gabriel Valley and feature a mixed landscape of suburban and urban areas. The San Gabriel Mountains flanking the north provide beautiful scenic landscapes and outdoor recreational activities.
Geographical information
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Land area
35.3 sq. miles
23.1 sq. miles
Population density
9,252.7 people per sq. mile
5,876.5 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Southwest San Gabriel Valley, CA Pasadena, CA
Education
Pasadena boasts several high-performing public, private schools, and notable Universities like the California Institute of Technology. Southwest San Gabriel Valley isn’t lagging behind with good public schools and access to nearby higher education institutions. Both cities actively support education, making them ideal for families prioritizing education.
Pasadena has a diverse economy with sectors like education, healthcare, retail, and professional services. A significant employer is NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Southwest San Gabriel Valley's economy is more focused on retail, healthcare, and manufacturing industries, with a lower unemployment rate than the U.S. average.
Biggest Employers
Pasadena's biggest employers include NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Kaiser Permanente, and the City of Pasadena. In Southwest San Gabriel Valley, the largest employers are the healthcare facilities and school districts.
Weather
Both Southwest San Gabriel Valley and Pasadena enjoy typical Southern California weather, meaning there are hotter summers and mild winters. Both cities have over 280 sunny days per year, outpacing the U.S. average. The Mediterranean climate in these cities attracts many tourists and relocators who indulge in outdoor activities year-round.
Weather and climate
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Temperature - Average
66.3°F
65.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
61.4%
62.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
16.5%
17.3%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
65.8%
67%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49.3%
49.7%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17.6 in
21.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
30.1%
28.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
85%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
63%
63%
Wind speed - Average
2.3 mph
2.6 mph
Average climate in Southwest San Gabriel Valley, California
Average climate in Pasadena, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
2018
140
138
0.39
0.37
14.2
14.5
26.6
27.3
0.008
0.008
27.5
28.1
15.1
15.4
0.4
0.4
2017
142
143
0.38
0.27
15.1
15.3
27.8
29.1
0.007
0.007
30.2
31.8
15.3
15.4
0.5
0.5
2016
128
128
0.36
0.27
15.2
15.4
26.5
26.8
0.007
0.007
27.8
30.3
14.3
14.6
0.4
0.4
2015
137
138
0.36
0.27
15.3
15.4
26.7
25.9
0.006
0.006
27.6
29.5
16.4
16.6
0.3
0.3
2014
138
138
0.39
0.27
16.3
16.3
26.8
27.4
0.007
0.007
29.9
31.6
18.0
17.9
0.4
0.4
2013
140
137
0.44
0.40
17.5
18.1
25.2
25.7
0.007
0.007
28.3
27.2
17.0
16.6
0.4
0.4
2012
144
143
0.47
0.46
17.7
17.4
25.0
26.1
0.007
0.007
27.6
26.4
18.1
17.9
0.5
0.5
2011
142
143
0.50
0.57
19.3
20.3
23.6
24.0
0.008
0.009
29.8
28.5
17.6
18.3
0.4
0.4
2010
128
131
0.52
0.55
19.4
19.4
22.9
23.6
0.020
0.017
30.0
28.4
16.3
16.4
0.5
0.5
2009
150
151
0.43
0.31
21.5
22.2
23.5
23.2
0.011
0.011
40.0
40.2
18.0
18.3
0.5
0.5
2008
152
150
0.53
0.64
23.5
23.5
22.8
22.7
0.014
0.014
39.1
38.1
18.3
18.0
0.6
0.7
2007
128
130
0.58
0.70
24.2
24.2
21.8
21.9
0.017
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.1
2006
125
125
0.63
0.73
24.6
24.6
22.1
22.1
0.009
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.5
2005
123
128
0.66
0.73
25.6
24.4
20.5
20.9
0.015
0.015
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.1
2.1
2004
132
138
0.77
0.87
27.7
27.0
22.9
24.7
0.019
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
2.4
2003
143
144
0.98
1.15
31.8
31.3
22.0
24.7
0.027
0.027
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.7
2002
137
143
1.00
1.08
33.0
33.2
21.1
23.0
0.025
0.024
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
2.2
2001
143
143
1.11
1.20
34.2
33.9
18.9
21.1
0.039
0.035
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
2.1
2000
147
147
1.12
1.23
33.4
29.2
18.9
22.3
0.033
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.2
Natural disasters
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18%
17.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,182.3%
7,265.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
57%
57%
Transportation
Both cities are well-connected by public transit networks, including buses, shuttles, and light rail services. Commute times in Pasadena are a bit longer compared to Southwest San Gabriel Valley.
Transport
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
0
96
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Bicycle
0.5%
0.9%
Bus
4.7%
2.3%
Carpooled
16.1%
8.6%
Car alone
73%
78.1%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.5%
Streetcar
0%
0.9%
Subway
0%
0.1%
Taxicab
0%
0.2%
Walked
2.5%
4.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Average
29.1 min
30.4 min
Real Estate
Pasadena has a higher real estate median price compared to Southwest San Gabriel Valley. The housing market in both cities is competitive, with homes usually selling 1-3% above the list price. That said, Southwest San Gabriel Valley offers more affordable housing options.
Neighborhoods
Pasadena offers a mix of residential and commercial neighborhoods. Old Town Pasadena with historic charm and trendy shops is popular among tourists. Southwest San Gabriel Valley is known for its peaceful, family-friendly neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
Houses
102,656
64,644
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.4
Houses occupied
99,543 (97%)
56,992 (88.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
47,333 (47.6%)
24,481 (43%)
Houses occupied by renters
52,210 (52.5%)
32,511 (57%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,828
$2,547
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,138,428
$1,005,903
Estimated median house or condo value
$723,161
$905,900
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
5.7
Renting percentage
51.7%
55%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,909.6
2,798.7
Household income disparities
44%
45.1%
Housing units without a mortgage
13,166 (31.1%)
140 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
88 (0.2%)
1,730 (9.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
29,118 (68.9%)
17,765 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
2,557 (6%)
44 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,975 (7%)
2,135 (11.9%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
3.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
8,660
10,106
State government workers
4,158
1,850
Unpaid family workers
639
80
Industries and Occupations
Pasadena is known for its technological and scientific industries. Southwest San Gabriel Valley, meanwhile, has many residents working in management, sales, and office support roles. Both cities have a mix of white and blue-collar jobs, offering diverse employment opportunities.
Health Care
Pasadena has numerous healthcare facilities, including the renowned Huntington Hospital. Southwest San Gabriel Valley has several clinics and hospitals providing quality healthcare services.
Infrastructure
Pasadena is well-developed concerning infrastructure, boasting preserved historic buildings and modern amenities. Southwest San Gabriel Valley is more suburban but still has access to essential amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and parks. Both cities have good road networks and public utilities.
Infrastructure
Type
Southwest San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena
TV stations
26
26
Culture and Food
Pasadena is culturally rich with several museums and art galleries like the Norton Simon Museum. It's also known for its exciting culinary scene. Southwest San Gabriel Valley has a rich cultural history reflected in its cuisine, especially its diverse Asian eateries.
Sports Teams
Pasadena is home to the renowned Rose Bowl Stadium, hosting important games and events. Southwest San Gabriel Valley doesn't have any major sports teams but residents usually support teams in the greater Los Angeles area.
Southwest San Gabriel Valley, CA
Pasadena, CA
