Moving from Berkeley, CA to Pasadena, CA
The 376 mi from Berkeley to Pasadena translate to about 6h 57m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
376 mi · 6h 57m by car · CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 580, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Garden Grove, Pomona, Fullerton, Downey, West Covina |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Berkeley | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Pasadena and Berkeley are close on the overall BEA RPP (115.613 vs 113.566); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 1.8% lower in Pasadena than Berkeley as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Berkeley -1.2%, Pasadena -1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Berkeley | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 43°F | 46°F |
| July avg high | 74°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 26.1" | 20.1" |
Climate warms by 7.5°F on the annual average — 58.5°F → 66.0°F.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Pasadena sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BERKELEY, CA US, PASADENA, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Berkeley | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 120,223 | 136,462 |
| Median household income | $108,558 | $103,778 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.4% | 30% |
| Avg household size | 2.57 | 2.39 |
Household income lines up — $108,558 vs $103,778 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pasadena MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Berkeley 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 376 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Berkeley vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,778 in Pasadena vs $108,558 in Berkeley — a 4.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Berkeley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Pasadena MSA vs $72,050 in the Berkeley MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Berkeley and Pasadena?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.0°F in Pasadena vs 58.5°F in Berkeley (7.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 20.1 in vs 26.1 in.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Berkeley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,209,228 in Pasadena vs $1,443,684 in Berkeley — a 16.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Berkeley?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 1.8% lower than Berkeley (113.566 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pasadena, CA from Berkeley, CA?
The driving distance is 376 mi and the route typically takes 6h 57m via I 5 and I 580. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Berkeley.
City profiles: Berkeley, CA · Pasadena, CA.