Moving from McAllen, TX to Pasadena, TX
It is a 361 mi drive, roughly 6h 57m, between McAllen, 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.
361 mi Β· 6h 57m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 59, US 77, US 281 |
| Major cities en route | League City, Pearland, Houston, Sugar Land, Corpus Christi |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 14.8% above McAllen β 85.895 β 98.629 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 14.8% under McAllen β $229,001 β $217,449 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McAllen | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 55.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 34 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 3 |
Households in Pasadena earn about 14.8% 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.
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 the job market in Pasadena compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 361 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in McAllen vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $60,165 in McAllen β a 6.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Pasadena, TX from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 361 mi and the route typically takes 6h 57m via US 59 and US 77. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Pasadena more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 14.8% higher than McAllen (98.629 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $229,001 in McAllen β a 5.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX Β· Pasadena, TX.