Moving from Sugar Land, TX to Pasadena, TX
Relocating from Sugar Land, TX to Pasadena, TX? The drive is 35 mi β about 45 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
35 mi Β· 45 min by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | SHT, I 69, US 59 |
| Major cities en route | League City, Pearland, Houston |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sugar Land | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Sugar Land and Pasadena sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $447,176 in Sugar Land to $217,449 in Pasadena, a 0.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Sugar Land -0.9%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sugar Land | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.1" | 55.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 70.6Β°F vs 71.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SUGAR LAND, TX US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sugar Land | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,735 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $137,511 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 42.5 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.2% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.9 | 3 |
Expect median household income to fall 0.0% β $137,511 β $64,270 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 | 387,430 | $41,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 305,780 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 288,170 | $27,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 269,160 | $35,450 |
| Management Occupations | 268,670 | $109,460 |
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 Pasadena average 93Β°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: Pasadena averages 55.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Sugar Land?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $447,176 in Sugar Land β a 51.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Pasadena, TX from Sugar Land, TX?
The driving distance is 35 mi and the route typically takes 45 min via SHT and I 69. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Sugar Land vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $137,511 in Sugar Land β a 53.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Sugar Land to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 35 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Sugar Land?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $46,960 in the Sugar Land MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sugar Land.
City profiles: Sugar Land, TX Β· Pasadena, TX.