Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Pasadena, CA
Relocating between Phoenix, AZ and Pasadena, CA is a 376 mi drive β 6h 50m 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.
376 mi Β· 6h 50m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, I 210 |
| Major cities en route | Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 9.9% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $410,169 to $1,209,228 moving to Pasadena.
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Pasadena -1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 20.1" |
Expect 6.5Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Pasadena gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, PASADENA, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 136,462 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $103,778 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 30% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.39 |
Expect median household income to rise 9.9% β $77,041 β $103,778 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pasadena MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,778 in Pasadena vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 34.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,209,228 in Pasadena vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 194.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Pasadena MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 376 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Pasadena, CA from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 376 mi and the route typically takes 6h 50m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 9.9% higher than Phoenix (113.566 vs 103.316, 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 Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Pasadena, CA.