What business should I start in Pasadena, CA?

On Census Business Patterns for Pasadena's own ZIP codes, the types with the most room at a $60,000 budget are local trucking / hotshot, convenience store, vape / smoke shop, pest control, used car dealer. Local Trucking / Hotshot leads: Pasadena has 85% fewer of these per person than California. At the state rate it would hold about 28 more.

How is "room" measured?

Establishments per 100,000 residents inside Pasadena against the California rate, from Census County and ZIP Business Patterns 2023, with crowded types (more than 1.35 times the state rate) left off. It is a screen, not a guarantee: the paid report maps the actual competitors and the neighborhood demand.

What does it cost to open these?

Local Trucking / Hotshot $30k–$150k; Convenience Store $50k–$200k; Vape / Smoke Shop $25k–$75k; Pest Control $10k–$30k; Used Car Dealer $50k–$300k. Ranges are Neur planning ranges per business type; the report localizes rent and wages.

Business ideas · California · Census Business Patterns 2023

Business ideas in Pasadena, CA: what has room right now

Out of 239 business types, these five have the most room in Pasadena at a $60,000 budget: fewer per resident than the rest of California, a startup range you can reach, and a realistic time to the first paying customer. Skipped 89 the city already has more of. Run it with your own budget and interests.

Neur picks

Pasadena, CA · 136,462 residents

01
Local Trucking / Hotshot
Owner-operator hauling local and regional freight; one truck to start
- RoomPasadena has 85% fewer of these per person than California. At the state rate it would hold about 28 more.
- CostOpens for $30k to $150k, inside your budget.
- In Pasadena5
- Per 100k vs state3.7 vs 24.0
- Residents per one27,292
- To first dollar—
02
Convenience Store
Small retail store with everyday essentials, snacks, and beverages
- RoomPasadena has 81% fewer of these per person than California. At the state rate it would hold about 9 more.
- CostOpens for $50k to $200k, inside your budget.
- In Pasadena2
- Per 100k vs state1.5 vs 7.8
- Residents per one68,231
- To first dollar3 to 7 mo
03
Vape / Smoke Shop
Retail shop selling vaporizers, e-liquids, tobacco, and accessories
- RoomPasadena has 73% fewer of these per person than California. At the state rate it would hold about 5 more.
- CostOpens for $25k to $75k, inside your budget.
- In Pasadena2
- Per 100k vs state1.5 vs 5.4
- Residents per one68,231
- To first dollar3 to 7 mo
04
Pest Control
Extermination and prevention of insects, rodents, and wildlife
- RoomPasadena has 70% fewer of these per person than California. At the state rate it would hold about 5 more.
- CostOpens for $10k to $30k, inside your budget.
- In Pasadena2
- Per 100k vs state1.5 vs 4.9
- Residents per one68,231
- To first dollar1 to 3 mo
05
Used Car Dealer
Independent lot selling 10 to 40 cars a month; buy-here-pay-here optional
- RoomPasadena has 63% fewer of these per person than California. At the state rate it would hold about 3 more.
- CostOpens for $50k to $300k, inside your budget.
- In Pasadena2
- Per 100k vs state1.5 vs 4.0
- Residents per one68,231
- To first dollar1 to 3 mo

Questions

What business should I start in Pasadena, CA?: On Census Business Patterns for Pasadena's own ZIP codes, the types with the most room at a $60,000 budget are local trucking / hotshot, convenience store, vape / smoke shop, pest control, used car dealer. Local Trucking / Hotshot leads: Pasadena has 85% fewer of these per person than California. At the state rate it would hold about 28 more.
How is "room" measured?: Establishments per 100,000 residents inside Pasadena against the California rate, from Census County and ZIP Business Patterns 2023, with crowded types (more than 1.35 times the state rate) left off. It is a screen, not a guarantee: the paid report maps the actual competitors and the neighborhood demand.
What does it cost to open these?: Local Trucking / Hotshot $30k–$150k; Convenience Store $50k–$200k; Vape / Smoke Shop $25k–$75k; Pest Control $10k–$30k; Used Car Dealer $50k–$300k. Ranges are Neur planning ranges per business type; the report localizes rent and wages.