Moving from Huntsville, AL to Pasadena, TX
The drive from Huntsville, AL to Pasadena, TX runs 756 mi β about 13h 52m 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.
756 mi Β· 13h 52m by car Β· AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 59, I 10, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, New Orleans, Beaumont, Houston |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Huntsville | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.072 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.931 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.946 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.072 in Huntsville to 98.629 in Pasadena, a 6.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Pasadena: 6.0% below Huntsville on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Huntsville +0.2%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Huntsville | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.3" | 55.6" |
Climate warms by 8.2Β°F on the annual average β 62.9Β°F β 71.1Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HUNTSVILLE INTL AP, AL US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Huntsville | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,814 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $70,778 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.7% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 3 |
Income steps down 6.0%: $70,778 in Huntsville 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 Alabama 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.
- 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 far is Pasadena, TX from Huntsville, AL?
The driving distance is 756 mi and the route typically takes 13h 52m via I 59 and I 10. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Huntsville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $287,569 in Huntsville β a 24.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Huntsville vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $70,778 in Huntsville β a 9.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Huntsville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $49,440 in the Huntsville MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 250,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Huntsville to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 756 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Huntsville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 6.0% higher than Huntsville (98.629 vs 93.072, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Huntsville.
City profiles: Huntsville, AL Β· Pasadena, TX.