Moving from Cary, NC to Pasadena, TX
Relocating 1187 mi from Cary to Pasadena is a 22h 7m drive through 7 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1187 mi Β· 22h 7m by car Β· NC β SC β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β SC β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 10, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cary | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 98.157 vs 98.629 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $626,396 to $217,449 moving to Pasadena.
YoY change: Cary -1.7%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cary | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 55.6" |
Expect 11.0Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: APEX, NC US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cary | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,686 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $129,399 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.4% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 3 |
Expect median household income to fall 0.5% β $129,399 β $64,270 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 | 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 North Carolina and Texas
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 20β30% 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
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 (11.0Β°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 much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Cary?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $626,396 in Cary β a 65.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Pasadena, TX from Cary, NC?
The driving distance is 1187 mi and the route typically takes 22h 7m via I 85 and I 10. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cary vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $129,399 in Cary β a 50.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Cary?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $48,800 in the Cary MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Cary?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 0.5% higher than Cary (98.629 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cary to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1187 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cary.
City profiles: Cary, NC Β· Pasadena, TX.