Moving from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, TX
The drive from Chicago, IL to Pasadena, TX runs 1091 mi β about 19h 48m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1091 mi Β· 19h 48m by car Β· IL β MO β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, US 59, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Memphis, Little Rock, Houston |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Pasadena and Chicago is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Pasadena is 4.8% below Chicago β $317,283 vs $217,449 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 55.6" |
Pasadena runs 20.3Β°F warmer on the annual average (50.8Β°F vs 71.1Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 3 |
Income steps down 4.8%: $75,134 in Chicago vs $64,270 in Pasadena.
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 Illinois 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.
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 (20.3Β°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 household income compare in Chicago vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 14.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago 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.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1091 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Pasadena, TX from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 1091 mi and the route typically takes 19h 48m via I 57 and US 59. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 4.8% lower than Chicago (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 Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 31.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Pasadena, TX.