Pasadena sits just 11 miles away from Downtown Los Angeles at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. World-class museums, the Metro A Line, independent coffee shops, and walkable blocks make Pasadena attractive to renters. Institutions like Caltech and the ArtCenter College of Design as well as popular landmarks like the Rose Bowl and Brookside Park keep the city active and engaged.
Pasadena offers easy access to employment centers and the greater Los Angeles area with rents that fall in line with the California statewide average. If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Pasadena, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent based on the following factors:
- Rental availability
- Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
- Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
- Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards
The five best neighborhoods in Pasadena for renters are:
Playhouse Village
- Average 1-bedrooom rent in Pasadena: $2,421/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Playhouse Village: $2,487/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Playhouse Village: 695 sq. ft.
Why Playhouse Village is good for renters
Playhouse Village is home to Pasadena Playhouse, the official State Theatre of California. Colorado Boulevard and El Molino Avenue are lined with bookstores, coffee shops, wine bars, and restaurants, keeping everyday walkability accessible. The Metro A Line’s Lake Station gives renters a direction connection to Downtown Los Angeles without needing to get on the freeway.
|
Very Walkable |
Good Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
80Playhouse Village has a walkability score of 80 out of 100 |
60Playhouse Village has a transit score of 60 out of 100 |
80Playhouse Village has a drivability score of 80 out of 100 |
60Playhouse Village has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
One-bedroom monthly rent in Playhouse Village is slightly higher than Pasadena citywide averages, so renters looking to stay within a set budget should consider this before moving.
Downtown Pasadena
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Pasadena: $2,421/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Downtown Pasadena: $2,694/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Downtown Pasadena: 684 sq. ft.
Why Downtown Pasadena is good for renters
Downtown Pasadena is the most walkable part of the city and has a wide range of restaurants, shops, bars, and restaurants that renters can reach on foot. The Paseo is nearby and is a popular shopping and dining area, as well as the Del Mar and Memorial Park Metro A Line stations which allow for quick connections into LA. The neighborhood also keeps renters close to the Pasadena Convention Center, the Central Library, and green spaces, allowing for all kinds of entertainment and recreation.
|
Very Walkable |
Good Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
80Downtown Pasadena has a walkability score of 80 out of 100 |
60Downtown Pasadena has a transit score of 60 out of 100 |
70Downtown Pasadena has a drivability score of 70 out of 100 |
60Downtown Pasadena has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Downtown Pasadena’s events, entertainment centers, and foot traffic can keep the area nosier than usual, especially on the weekends.
Lamanda Park
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Pasadena: $2,421/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Lamanda Park: $1,944/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Lamanda Park: 623 sq. ft.
Why Lamanda Park is good for renters
Lamanda Park is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Pasadena, with average rents falling more than $400 below the citywide average. The neighborhood has a more residential feel where renters can easily commute to the 210 Freeway or the Sierra Madre Villa Metro A Line for quick connection to LA. Lamanda Park is a good option for renters who want to be close to Pasadena city limits without paying the high prices in more central neighborhoods.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
70Lamanda Park has a walkability score of 70 out of 100 |
50Lamanda Park has a transit score of 50 out of 100 |
100Lamanda Park has a drivability score of 100 out of 100 |
50Lamanda Park has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Lamanda Park is more car-dependent than other neighborhoods in Pasadena, so renters without a personal vehicle should prioritize proximity to public transportation.
South Lake
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Pasadena: $2,421/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in South Lake: $2,650/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in South Lake: 733 sq. ft.
Why South Lake is good for renters
South Lake is home to South Lake Avenue, a walkable corridor with grocery stores, pharmacies, cafes, and restaurants. The Lake Metro A Line station sits in the middle of the neighborhood, making it one of the better-connected areas in the city for traveling to LA. Apartment communities here tend to be mid-rise buildings with large floor plans, offering some of the more spacious options across the other neighborhoods on this list.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
70South Lake has a walkability score of 70 out of 100 |
50South Lake has a transit score of 50 out of 100 |
100South Lake has a drivability score of 100 out of 100 |
70South Lake has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Monthly rents in South Lake are higher than citywide average, reflecting the neighborhood’s strong walkability, transit access, and spacious floor plans, which is worth considering as a renter.
East Pasadena
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Pasadena: $2,421/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in East Pasadena: $2,800/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in East Pasadena: 648 sq. ft.
Why East Pasadena is good for renters
East Pasadena offers a more suburban feel on the eastern edge of the city. The Sierra Madre Villa Metro A Line keeps residents connected to Downtown LA and is a great option for renters who prefer a quieter home base. Nearby Eaton Canyon Nature Center and the trails that branch from it provide outdoor access to hiking without needing to leave the neighborhood.
|
Fairly Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
50East Pasadena has a walkability score of 50 out of 100 |
30East Pasadena has a transit score of 30 out of 100 |
90East Pasadena has a drivability score of 90 out of 100 |
50East Pasadena has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
East Pasadena has higher rents and less walkability than other neighborhoods in the city, so renters should weigh the pros and cons of living in East Pasadena with other more connected areas of the city.
Ready to Make the Move?
Whether you want easy Metro access, more square footage, or affordable rents, Pasadena has a neighborhood that can fit your lifestyle. Apartments.com has all the tools you need to help you find the perfect place. Navigate apartments across neighborhoods using our customized search filters to narrow your search by amenities, prices, and floor plan. Find the perfect place for you on Apartments.com!
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.
FAQs
Is Pasadena a good place to live?
Pasadena combines walkable neighborhoods, historic architecture, cultural institutions, and proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains to offer real value to renters. Pasadena also has the Metro A Line which helps keep residents close to Downtown LA.
What's the average rent in Pasadena?
The average rent in Pasadena is $2,421/month as of September 2026. This is 45% higher than the national average rent of $1,665/month.
What salary do you need to live in Pasadena?
According to our cost of living data, a comfortable salary to afford the average monthly rent without spending more than 30% of your monthly income on rent is $96,840 per year.
