The best area to live in the San Gabriel Valley(areas around where you work) that is inexpensive is probably Duarte up near the hills. 15-20 minute commute to work and you're way out of the way from the typical L.A. mess.
Alhambra, up north near San Marino, is also good - nothing wrong living right near your work. 1-2 mile commutes are great and Alhambra isn't such a bad place(though I'd much rather live in South Pasadena any day and drive the 5 minutes to work)
