Moving from Aurora, IL to Pasadena, TX

A move from Aurora, IL to Pasadena, TX covers 1063 mi and around 19h 46m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.

1063 mi Β· 19h 46m by car Β· IL β†’ MO β†’ AR β†’ TX

COL -4.8% Home values -31.4% Ξ” +20.9Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1063 mi
Drive time
19h 46m
States
4
Fuel (25 mpg)
43 gal
Route throughIL β†’ MO β†’ AR β†’ TX
Primary highwaysI 55, US 59, US 67
Major cities en routeElgin, Naperville, Joliet, Springfield, St Louis

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

AuroraPasadenaU.S. avg
All items (RPP)103.59598.629100.0
Rents83.58195.288100.0
Goods107.258100.639100.0
Services112.01104.51100.0

Pasadena and Aurora are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.595 vs 98.629); rent and services often drive the real difference.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Aurora β€” typical home
$316,958
Pasadena β€” typical home
$217,449
Aurora β€” typical rent
$2,228/mo
Pasadena β€” typical rent
$1,336/mo

Housing gap is large: Pasadena typical home at $217,449 is 4.8% under Aurora at $316,958 (Zillow, 2026-03).

YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsAuroraPasadena
Annual avg temperature50Β°F71Β°F
January avg low16Β°F46Β°F
July avg high84Β°F93Β°F
Annual snowfall27.9"β€”
Annual precipitation39.5"55.6"

NOAA normals show Pasadena running 20.9Β°F above Aurora on the annual mean.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023AuroraPasadena
Population179,867149,345
Median household income$90,109$64,270
Median age35.232.8
Bachelor's degree or higher22.5%10.7%
Avg household size2.983

Median household income in Pasadena is 4.8% below Aurora ($90,109 vs $64,270, ACS 5-year 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Aurora MSA β€” median wage
$49,790
Pasadena MSA β€” median wage
$46,960
Aurora MSA β€” employment
4,506,800
Pasadena MSA β€” employment
3,179,460

Top occupations in Pasadena MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 387,430 $41,570
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 305,780 $39,450
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 288,170 $27,490
Sales and Related Occupations 269,160 $35,450
Management Occupations 268,670 $109,460

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Illinois and Texas

Illinois income tax
4.95% top marginal
Texas income tax
no state income tax

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β€” state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.

Best time to move

Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.

To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Air conditioning matters: July highs in Pasadena average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • Pack rain gear on top: Pasadena averages 55.6 in of annual precipitation β€” waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
  • You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (20.9Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
  • Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
  • Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
  • Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
  • Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Aurora?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How far is Pasadena, TX from Aurora, IL?

The driving distance is 1063 mi and the route typically takes 19h 46m via I 55 and US 59. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

When is the best time to move from Aurora to Pasadena?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1063 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

Is Pasadena more expensive than Aurora?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 4.8% lower than Aurora (98.629 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Aurora?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $316,958 in Aurora β€” a 31.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does household income compare in Aurora vs Pasadena?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $90,109 in Aurora β€” a 28.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.

City profiles: Aurora, IL Β· Pasadena, TX.

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