Moving from Pasadena, TX to Houston, TX
Relocating from Pasadena, TX to Houston, TX? The drive is 21 mi β about 33 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
21 mi Β· 33 min by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 45, TX 3, BW 8 |
| Major cities en route | Sugar Land, Pearland, League City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Houston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Pasadena and Houston sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $217,449 in Pasadena to $264,336 in Houston, a 0.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Houston -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 54.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 71.1Β°F vs 70.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Houston sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, HOUSTON-PORT, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,345 | 2,300,419 |
| Median household income | $64,270 | $62,894 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.7% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 2.51 |
Household income lines up β $64,270 vs $62,894 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Houston 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.
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 Houston 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: Houston averages 54.1 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Pasadena vs Houston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,894 in Houston vs $64,270 in Pasadena β a 2.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Houston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 21 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Houston, TX from Pasadena, TX?
The driving distance is 21 mi and the route typically takes 33 min via I 45 and TX 3. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Houston compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,336 in Houston vs $217,449 in Pasadena β a 21.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Houston compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Houston MSA vs $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 3,179,460 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 Pasadena.
City profiles: Pasadena, TX Β· Houston, TX.