Moving from Pasadena, TX to Mobile, AL

The 460 mi from Pasadena to Mobile translate to about 8h 31m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β€” MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.

460 mi Β· 8h 31m by car Β· AL β†’ MS β†’ LA β†’ TX

COL -10.7% Home values -10.5% Ξ” -2.0Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
460 mi
Drive time
8h 31m
States
4
Fuel (25 mpg)
18 gal
Route throughAL β†’ MS β†’ LA β†’ TX
Primary highwaysI 10, I 12, SHT
Major cities en routeNew Orleans, Beaumont, Houston, League City, Pearland

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

PasadenaMobileU.S. avg
All items (RPP)98.62988.098100.0
Rents95.28884.185100.0
Goods100.63996.397100.0
Services104.5160.116100.0

Overall prices in Mobile are 10.7% below Pasadena β€” a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Pasadena β€” typical home
$217,449
Mobile β€” typical home
$194,564
Pasadena β€” typical rent
$1,336/mo
Mobile β€” typical rent
$1,298/mo

Zillow typical home value is 10.7% lower in Mobile than Pasadena as of 2026-03.

YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Mobile -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsPasadenaMobile
Annual avg temperature71Β°F69Β°F
January avg low46Β°F43Β°F
July avg high93Β°F92Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”β€”
Annual precipitation55.6"60.5"

Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β€” 71.1Β°F vs 69.1Β°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023PasadenaMobile
Population149,345185,097
Median household income$64,270$51,090
Median age32.837.7
Bachelor's degree or higher10.7%20%
Avg household size32.39

Income gap is large: median household income drops 10.7% between Pasadena and Mobile (ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Pasadena MSA β€” median wage
$46,960
Mobile MSA β€” median wage
$41,660
Pasadena MSA β€” employment
3,179,460
Mobile MSA β€” employment
169,730

Top occupations in Mobile MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 20,320 $36,270
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 19,630 $37,950
Sales and Related Occupations 16,350 $31,060
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 14,680 $23,720
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations 12,550 $64,370

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Texas and Alabama

Texas income tax
no state income tax
Alabama income tax
5% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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 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.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Air conditioning matters: July highs in Mobile average 92Β°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: Mobile averages 60.5 in of annual precipitation β€” waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
  • Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
  • 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 Alabama after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How does household income compare in Pasadena vs Mobile?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,090 in Mobile vs $64,270 in Pasadena β€” a 20.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How much do homes cost in Mobile compared to Pasadena?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,564 in Mobile vs $217,449 in Pasadena β€” a 10.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Mobile?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 460 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How far is Mobile, AL from Pasadena, TX?

The driving distance is 460 mi and the route typically takes 8h 31m via I 10 and I 12. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does the job market in Mobile compare to Pasadena?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,660 in the Mobile MSA vs $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 169,730 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

Is Mobile more expensive than Pasadena?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mobile is 10.7% lower than Pasadena (88.098 vs 98.629, 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 Pasadena.

City profiles: Pasadena, TX Β· Mobile, AL.

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