Moving from Topeka, KS to Pasadena, TX
Relocating 753 mi from Topeka to Pasadena is a 13h 11m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
753 mi Β· 13h 11m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 45, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Pearland, League City, Houston, Sugar Land, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Pasadena runs about 11.0% more expensive overall than Topeka β RPP 88.82 β 98.629.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Pasadena run about 11.0% pricier β ZHVI $190,096 β $217,449 (2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 55.6" |
Annual average temperature jumps 16.2Β°F β 54.9Β°F in Topeka vs 71.1Β°F in Pasadena, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 3 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.0% higher in Pasadena than Topeka.
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.
Moving between Kansas and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (16.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 753 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 11.0% higher than Topeka (98.629 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 15.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Pasadena, TX from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 753 mi and the route typically takes 13h 11m via I 35 and I 45. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 14.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 113,350 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 Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Pasadena, TX.