Moving from Norman, OK to Pasadena, CA
A move from Norman, OK to Pasadena, CA covers 1342 mi and around 23h 20m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1342 mi · 23h 20m by car · CA → AZ → NM → TX → OK
Distance & route
| Route through | CA → AZ → NM → TX → OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 15, US 66 HIST |
| Major cities en route | Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Clarita, Glendale, Palmdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norman | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 25.6% higher overall in Pasadena vs Norman on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Pasadena: 25.6% above Norman on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Norman +2.0%, Pasadena -1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Norman | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 46°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.1" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.7" | 20.1" |
Pasadena runs 5.3°F warmer on the annual average (60.7°F vs 66.0°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Effectively snow-free year in Pasadena — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORMAN 3SSE, OK US, PASADENA, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norman | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,714 | 136,462 |
| Median household income | $65,060 | $103,778 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 30% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Pasadena is 25.6% above Norman ($65,060 vs $103,778, ACS 5-year 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 | 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 Oklahoma 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-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
- 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
How does household income compare in Norman vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,778 in Pasadena vs $65,060 in Norman — a 59.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Norman?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,209,228 in Pasadena vs $262,839 in Norman — a 360.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Norman 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 1342 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Norman?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 25.6% higher than Norman (113.566 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pasadena, CA from Norman, OK?
The driving distance is 1342 mi and the route typically takes 23h 20m via I 40 and I 15. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Norman and Pasadena?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.0°F in Pasadena vs 60.7°F in Norman (5.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 4.1 in. Annual precipitation: 20.1 in vs 37.7 in.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Norman?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Pasadena MSA vs $44,030 in the Norman MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Norman.
City profiles: Norman, OK · Pasadena, CA.