Moving from Jackson, MS to Pasadena, TX
Moving from Jackson, MS to Pasadena, TX covers 437 mi and about 8h 7m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
437 mi Β· 8h 7m by car Β· MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 55, US 51 |
| Major cities en route | Beaumont, Houston, League City, Pearland, Sugar Land |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Pasadena is 10.8% higher than Jackson, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Pasadena is 10.8% above Jackson β $87,256 vs $217,449 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 55.6" |
Pasadena runs 5.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (66.0Β°F vs 71.1Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 3 |
Median household income in Pasadena is 10.8% above Jackson ($43,238 vs $64,270, 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 Mississippi 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 Jackson vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 48.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 10.8% higher than Jackson (98.629 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 437 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 Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 437 mi and the route typically takes 8h 7m via I 10 and I 55. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 149.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Pasadena, TX.