Moving from Waco, TX to Pasadena, TX
It is a 205 mi drive, roughly 3h 57m, between Waco, TX and Pasadena, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
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
| Waco | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 6.6% above Waco β 92.55 β 98.629 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 6.6% above Waco β $194,245 β $217,449 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Waco | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 55.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 3 |
Pasadena households earn about 6.6% more than Waco at the median β $51,468 β $64,270 on ACS 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 does household income compare in Waco vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $51,468 in Waco β a 24.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Pasadena, TX from Waco, 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.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 6.6% higher than Waco (98.629 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $194,245 in Waco β a 11.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Pasadena?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX Β· Pasadena, TX.