Moving from Pasadena, CA to Odessa, TX
A move from Pasadena, CA to Odessa, TX covers 1086 mi and around 18h 46m of driving through 4 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.
1086 mi · 18h 46m by car · CA → AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | CA → AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, Glendale, Palmdale, Torrance |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Odessa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 93.896 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 82.86 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 89.709 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 113.566 to 93.896, putting Odessa roughly 17.3% below Pasadena on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Odessa: 17.3% below Pasadena on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Pasadena -1.0%, Odessa +5.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Pasadena | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 46°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 20.1" | 12.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Odessa — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PASADENA, CA US, ODESSA, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,462 | 114,080 |
| Median household income | $103,778 | $73,030 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30% | 12.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.54 |
Median household income in Odessa is 17.3% below Pasadena ($103,778 vs $73,030, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Odessa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,160 | $44,240 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 8,860 | $46,810 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 8,230 | $41,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,770 | $28,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,360 | $36,360 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California 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
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Odessa average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Odessa sees only 12.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Pasadena to Odessa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1086 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Pasadena vs Odessa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,030 in Odessa vs $103,778 in Pasadena — a 29.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Odessa compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,830 in the Odessa MSA vs $50,490 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 76,440 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Odessa, TX from Pasadena, CA?
The driving distance is 1086 mi and the route typically takes 18h 46m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Pasadena and Odessa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 64.4°F in Odessa vs 66.0°F in Pasadena (1.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 12.3 in vs 20.1 in.
Is Odessa more expensive than Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Odessa is 17.3% lower than Pasadena (93.896 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Odessa compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,239 in Odessa vs $1,209,228 in Pasadena — a 79.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pasadena.
City profiles: Pasadena, CA · Odessa, TX.