Boulder, CO vs Pasadena, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Boulder
67.4
#1424 nationally
Pasadena
61.6
#1898 nationally
Boulder leads in average commute (21.4 min vs 27.9 min). Boulder leads in cost of living index (165 vs 197). Pasadena leads in median household income ($97,818 vs $86,098).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Pasadena, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.4 (#1424) | 61.6 (#1898) |
| Population | 103,166 | 133,560 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $957,377 | $1,206,740 |
| Median Household Income | $86,098 | $97,818 |
| Average Commute | 21.4 min | 27.9 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 69 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-Low | 13.2 |
| School Rating | 8.4 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 165 | 197 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+55.8 | D+32.9 |
D+
67.4 Score
Boulder, CO
Nature meets innovation at the Flatirons
Median Home
$957,377
Population
103,166
Crime
Moderate-Low
Schools
A
West
View Boulder, CO →
D-
61.6 Score
Pasadena, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,206,740
Population
133,560
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
69
Pacific
View Pasadena, CA →