Moving from Tulsa, OK to Pasadena, TX
The drive from Tulsa, OK to Pasadena, TX runs 515 mi β about 9h 29m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
515 mi Β· 9h 29m by car Β· OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 45, US 75, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Mckinney, Frisco, Allen, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 89.214 in Tulsa to 98.629 in Pasadena, a 10.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $217,450 vs $217,449 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tulsa | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.0" | 55.6" |
Climate warms by 9.8Β°F on the annual average β 61.3Β°F β 71.1Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 3 |
Income steps up 10.6%: $58,407 in Tulsa vs $64,270 in Pasadena.
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 Oklahoma 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.
- 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 Tulsa to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 515 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 10.6% higher than Tulsa (98.629 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Tulsa vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $58,407 in Tulsa β a 10.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Pasadena, TX from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 515 mi and the route typically takes 9h 29m via I 45 and US 75. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 443,020 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 Tulsa.
City profiles: Tulsa, OK Β· Pasadena, TX.