Moving from Columbia, SC to Pasadena, TX
It is 1003 mi between Columbia and Pasadena β roughly 18h 40m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1003 mi Β· 18h 40m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL β GA β SC
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL β GA β SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 20, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, Houston, Beaumont |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.662 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.306 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.455 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 5.3% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 5.3% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Columbia +1.3%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbia | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.3" | 55.6" |
Annual temperature rises 7.5Β°F moving to Pasadena per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,019 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $55,653 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 28.7 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 3 |
Households in Pasadena earn about 5.3% more at the median β 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.
Moving between South Carolina 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
How does household income compare in Columbia vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $55,653 in Columbia β a 15.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 5.3% higher than Columbia (98.629 vs 93.662, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1003 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 Columbia, SC?
The driving distance is 1003 mi and the route typically takes 18h 40m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $42,630 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 381,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $229,068 in Columbia β a 5.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, SC Β· Pasadena, TX.