Moving from Chandler, AZ to Pasadena, TX
It is 1174 mi between Chandler and Pasadena — roughly 19h 55m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1174 mi · 19h 55m by car · AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, TX 130 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chandler | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.5% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Chandler -2.0%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chandler | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,123 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $103,691 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.6% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.63 | 3 |
Pasadena households earn about 4.5% less than Chandler at the median — $103,691 → $64,270 on ACS 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 Arizona 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 — 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 93°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 — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Chandler 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 1174 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Chandler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 4.5% lower than Chandler (98.629 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Chandler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $48,600 in the Chandler MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Pasadena, TX from Chandler, AZ?
The driving distance is 1174 mi and the route typically takes 19h 55m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Chandler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $524,156 in Chandler — a 58.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Chandler vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $103,691 in Chandler — a 38.0% 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 Chandler.
City profiles: Chandler, AZ · Pasadena, TX.