Moving from Amarillo, TX to Pasadena, TX
The drive from Amarillo, TX to Pasadena, TX runs 620 mi β about 11h 10m 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.
620 mi Β· 11h 10m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, I 45, US 82 |
| Major cities en route | Denton, Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 7.4% pricier overall in Pasadena than Amarillo on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 7.4% higher in Pasadena than Amarillo as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 55.6" |
Climate warms by 14.2Β°F on the annual average β 56.9Β°F β 71.1Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 35 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 3 |
Household income lines up β $62,469 vs $64,270 on ACS 5-year 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.2Β°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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 2.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 620 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 5.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 7.4% higher than Amarillo (98.629 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pasadena, TX from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 620 mi and the route typically takes 11h 10m via US 287 and I 45. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 120,310 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 Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· Pasadena, TX.