Moving from Pasadena, TX to Oklahoma City, OK
It is a 462 mi drive, roughly 8h 18m, between Pasadena, TX and Oklahoma City, OK. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
462 mi Β· 8h 18m by car Β· OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 45, I 35, I 35E |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Fort Worth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Oklahoma City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 90.408 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 74.067 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 73.885 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 8.3% cheaper overall in Oklahoma City than Pasadena on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Pasadena to Oklahoma City β $217,449 vs $206,713 (2026-03).
YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Oklahoma City -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 27Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 6.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 36.4" |
Annual temperature drops 11.0Β°F moving to Oklahoma City per NOAA normals.
Light snow year: Oklahoma City gets around 6.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,345 | 688,693 |
| Median household income | $64,270 | $66,702 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.7% | 21.5% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 2.5 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Oklahoma City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 91,690 | $40,050 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 68,430 | $26,100 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 60,820 | $36,060 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 59,770 | $34,460 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 43,490 | $76,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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 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 Oklahoma City average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.0Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Oklahoma City, OK from Pasadena, TX?
The driving distance is 462 mi and the route typically takes 8h 18m via I 45 and I 35. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Pasadena vs Oklahoma City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,702 in Oklahoma City vs $64,270 in Pasadena β a 3.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Oklahoma City compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA vs $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 656,800 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Oklahoma City more expensive than Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oklahoma City is 8.3% lower than Pasadena (90.408 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Oklahoma City compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,713 in Oklahoma City vs $217,449 in Pasadena β a 4.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Oklahoma City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 462 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pasadena.
City profiles: Pasadena, TX Β· Oklahoma City, OK.