Moving from Pasadena, TX to Philadelphia, PA
It is 1545 mi and 28h 44m from Pasadena to Philadelphia β a cross-country move across 10 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1545 mi Β· 28h 44m by car Β· PA β DE β MD β VA β TN β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β DE β MD β VA β TN β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 59, I 81, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Baltimore, Alexandria, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Birmingham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 98.629 vs 102.554 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.0% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 50.7" |
Expect 13.4Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,345 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $64,270 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.7% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.0% lower in Philadelphia than Pasadena.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Philadelphia averages 50.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.4Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 4.0% higher than Pasadena (102.554 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $217,449 in Pasadena β a 6.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1545 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Pasadena, TX?
The driving distance is 1545 mi and the route typically takes 28h 44m via I 59 and I 81. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Pasadena vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $64,270 in Pasadena β a 5.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pasadena.
City profiles: Pasadena, TX Β· Philadelphia, PA.