Rents are 10% below what South Pasadena's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.
Rent by unit size
Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).
12-month history
Last updated: July 20, 2026
Is your rent fair?
Compare your rent to the local median.
Who lives here
South Pasadena, CA is majority renter-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 73.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How South Pasadena, CA has changed in 5 years
Five years ago, renters in South Pasadena, CA paid around $2,212 a month. That figure now sits near $2,565, up 16.0% from the 2021 baseline. Census figures show median household income at $127,175 today, compared with $115,088 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show South Pasadena, CA losing about 769 residents over the five-year window, down 2.9% on net. The renter share has risen from 52.4% to 56%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 70.9% to 73.5% across the same window. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.
Discussions about South Pasadena
No discussions yet. Start the conversation.
Can you afford rent in South Pasadena on your salary?
At $2,565/mo, how South Pasadena rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
South Pasadena rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in South Pasadena. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in South Pasadena
Last updated: July 20, 2026
The median rent in South Pasadena is $2,565/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,130/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,020/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,390/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,840/mo.
At 24% of local median household income ($127,175/yr), South Pasadena ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 7.0% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
Is South Pasadena an affordable city for renters?
How much income do you need to rent in South Pasadena?
Is rent going up or down in South Pasadena?
How does South Pasadena rent compare to other cities in California?
Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than South Pasadena?
What percentage of South Pasadena residents rent vs. own?
How does South Pasadena rent compare to the national average?
At $2,565/mo, rent takes ~24% of South Pasadena's median household income ($127,175/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
How does this area stack up?
Pick another city or ZIP to compare.
Estimated from ZIP-level data
Be the first to submit your rent for South Pasadena.
No discussions yet.