In short: both cities are in the San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles County, and both have well-regarded public school districts. San Marino is smaller and more expensive, mostly established homes on large lots, with only two or three dozen sales a quarter. Arcadia sees roughly four times as many sales and has much more new construction. With a budget above $3 million and a priority on lot and street, start with San Marino; for a newer home around $2 million, Arcadia has far more choice.
By the numbers (Redfin, three months ending September 2026)
| San Marino | Arcadia | |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $3.4M | $1.7M |
| Year over year | +21.6% | +3.5% |
| Median days on market | 29 (40 a year earlier) | 46 (51 a year earlier) |
| Homes sold | 27 | 109 |
| Price per sq ft | $985 | $685 |
| ZIP codes | 91108 | 91006, 91007 |
| Public schools | San Marino Unified | Arcadia Unified |
San Marino's 21.6% gain comes from just 27 sales, so a few large estates can move the median a lot. It does not mean every home in the city rose 20%.
Housing stock
San Marino is mostly Spanish, Mediterranean, Tudor and traditional homes, many on lots of a quarter acre or more, and demand keeps outpacing supply. Arcadia has rebuilt much of its housing over the past fifteen years, with many large new homes in the Highlands, Upper Rancho and Santa Anita Oaks.
Amenities
San Marino has The Huntington Library and Gardens and Lacy Park and is almost entirely residential; residents shop and dine in Pasadena, Alhambra or San Gabriel. Arcadia has the Los Angeles County Arboretum, Santa Anita Park and Westfield Santa Anita, so daily errands are closer.
Property tax
Under Proposition 13, the base rate is 1% of assessed value, assessments rise no more than 2% a year, and a sale resets the assessment to the purchase price. Voter-approved bonds and special taxes push the effective rate somewhat above 1%. On a $3.4 million home, the 1% base alone is $34,000 a year. Check the current tax bill on the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector site to see the add-ons.
How Aspire LaShine can help
Our office is on Huntington Drive in San Marino, and we have long represented buyers and sellers in both cities. Broker of record Howard H. Ran (DRE #01876980) leads the residential team and can help you filter by budget and school district, review past sales and negotiate. See Residential, the San Marino and Arcadia pages, or call 626-269-9996.
Sources
- Redfin, San Marino Housing Market (September 2026)
- Redfin, Arcadia Housing Market (September 2026)
- California Constitution Article XIII A (Proposition 13)
- Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector
General information. Price data from Redfin, updated monthly; see Redfin for methodology. Information as of October 2026.
