Moving from Pasadena, TX to Waco, TX
Relocating between Pasadena, TX and Waco, TX is a 205 mi drive β 3h 57m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
205 mi Β· 3h 57m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | TX 6, TX 249 TOLL, SHT |
| Major cities en route | Pearland, League City, Houston, Sugar Land, College Station |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 6.2% cheaper overall in Waco than Pasadena on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 6.2% under Pasadena β $217,449 β $194,245 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 37.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Waco β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,345 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $64,270 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.7% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 2.68 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 6.2% lower in Waco than Pasadena.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
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 Waco average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $64,270 in Pasadena β a 19.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 205 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $217,449 in Pasadena β a 10.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Waco more expensive than Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 6.2% lower than Pasadena (92.55 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Waco compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 125,640 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Waco, TX from Pasadena, TX?
The driving distance is 205 mi and the route typically takes 3h 57m via TX 6 and TX 249 TOLL. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pasadena.
City profiles: Pasadena, TX Β· Waco, TX.