Moving from Abilene, TX to Pasadena, TX
It is a 401 mi drive, roughly 7h 33m, between Abilene, 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.
401 mi Β· 7h 33m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 183, US 84, TX 71 |
| Major cities en route | League City, Pearland, Houston, Sugar Land, Austin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 9.1% above Abilene β 90.364 β 98.629 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Abilene to Pasadena β $210,016 vs $217,449 (2026-03).
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Abilene | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 55.6" |
Annual temperature rises 5.2Β°F moving to Pasadena per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 3 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Abilene vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $62,720 in Abilene β a 2.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 9.1% higher than Abilene (98.629 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 401 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Pasadena, TX from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 401 mi and the route typically takes 7h 33m via US 183 and US 84. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $210,016 in Abilene β a 3.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 72,780 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 Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX Β· Pasadena, TX.