City Report · MD

Pasadena

Pop. 34,309·15th most expensive in Maryland·Pasadena rents are up 7.6% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,535/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.6%
Month-over-Month
-1.0%
vs US Median
+$570
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Pasadena · $2,535
More expensive than 81% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
60/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% below what Pasadena's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,535/mo
Expected by trend
$2,663/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Pasadena's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,780
1 BR
$2,030
2 BR
$2,490
3 BR
$3,200
4 BR+
$3,580
Research median
$2,490/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$30,420/yr
At $2,535/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (7.6% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.6% YoY, -1.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Pasadena, MD is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 38.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
34,309
Median income
$129,727
Median age
35.9
Renters
16.3%
Age distribution
20.8%
27.3%
26.7%
13.4%
Under 1820.8%
18–3427.3%
35–5426.7%
55–6413.4%
65+11.8%
Gender
50.3%
49.7%
Male50.3%
Female49.7%
Race & ethnicity
68.4%
17.6%
White68.4%
Black17.6%
Hispanic7.3%
Asian3.2%
Other3.5%
Education (25+)
27.2%
27.5%
38.2%
No HS diploma7.1%
HS diploma27.2%
Some college27.5%
Bachelor's+38.2%
Housing tenure
83.7%
16.3%
Owner83.7%
Renter16.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Pasadena, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,920 → $2,535
up 32.0%
Income
$107,088 → $129,727
up 21.1%
Population
31,583 → 34,309
up 8.6%
Renter share
18.2% → 16.3%
-1.9 pts
Bachelor's+
32.7% → 38.2%
+5.5 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in Pasadena, MD has increased from $1,920 to $2,535, a 32.0% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Pasadena, MD now reports about $129,727, up from $107,088 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 8.6% since 2021, moving from about 31,583 residents to roughly 34,309. Renters now make up 16.3% of households, compared with 18.2% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 38.2% of adults here, versus 32.7% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Pasadena, MD reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Pasadena rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Pasadena on your salary?

At $2,535/mo, how Pasadena rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Pasadena rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Pasadena. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Pasadena

About renting in Pasadena, MD

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Pasadena is $2,535/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,780/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,490/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,030/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,200/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($129,727/yr), Pasadena ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Pasadena an affordable city for renters?

Pasadena is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,535/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($129,727/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Pasadena falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Pasadena?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $101,000/year (~$49/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,535/mo in Pasadena. The local median household income is $129,727/yr, meaning the typical Pasadena household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Pasadena?

Rent in Pasadena has increased 7.6% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Pasadena rent compare to other cities in Maryland?

Pasadena is one of the pricier cities in Maryland for rent, ranking #15 out of 95 tracked cities at $2,535/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Pasadena?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Pasadena ($2,535/mo): Dundalk ($1,614/mo), Brooklyn Park ($1,700/mo), Glen Burnie ($1,708/mo).

What percentage of Pasadena residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 16.3% of Pasadena households are renters, while 83.7% are owner-occupied. Pasadena leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Pasadena rent compare to the national average?

Pasadena's median rent of $2,535/mo is $570 (29%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Maryland, it ranks #15 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
23%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,535/mo, rent takes ~23% of Pasadena's median household income ($129,727/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Pasadena 23%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Run the Pasadena affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Pasadena
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Pasadena, MD

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