Moving from Meridian, ID to Pasadena, CA
Relocating 816 mi from Meridian to Pasadena is a 15h 47m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
816 mi · 15h 47m by car · CA → NV → OR → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | CA → NV → OR → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 95, US 6 HIST, US 395 |
| Major cities en route | Long Beach, Garden Grove, Pomona, Torrance, Fullerton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Meridian | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 15.4% above Meridian — 98.391 → 113.566 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.4% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Meridian 0.0%, Pasadena -1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Meridian | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 46°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 20.1" |
Expect 12.8°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Effectively snow-free year in Pasadena — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, PASADENA, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Meridian | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,865 | 136,462 |
| Median household income | $98,686 | $103,778 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.3% | 30% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.39 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 15.4% higher in Pasadena than Meridian.
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.
Moving between Idaho and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (12.8°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Meridian 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 816 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Meridian vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,778 in Pasadena vs $98,686 in Meridian — a 5.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Meridian?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Pasadena MSA vs $45,320 in the Meridian MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Pasadena, CA from Meridian, ID?
The driving distance is 816 mi and the route typically takes 15h 47m via US 95 and US 6 HIST. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Meridian?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 15.4% higher than Meridian (113.566 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Meridian?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,209,228 in Pasadena vs $526,994 in Meridian — a 129.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Meridian and Pasadena?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.0°F in Pasadena vs 53.2°F in Meridian (12.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 17.6 in. Annual precipitation: 20.1 in vs 11.5 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Meridian.
City profiles: Meridian, ID · Pasadena, CA.