Moving from Midland, TX to Pasadena, TX
The 497 mi from Midland to Pasadena translate to about 9h 36m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
497 mi Β· 9h 36m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | TX 71, US 87, TX 158 |
| Major cities en route | League City, Pearland, Houston, Sugar Land, Round Rock |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Midland | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.783 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.24 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 101.497 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Pasadena and Midland are close on the overall BEA RPP (95.783 vs 98.629); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Pasadena typical home at $217,449 is 3.0% under Midland at $328,325 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Midland +2.7%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Midland | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 13.6" | 55.6" |
Climate warms by 6.1Β°F on the annual average β 65.0Β°F β 71.1Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MIDLAND 4 ENE, TX US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Midland | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,998 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $91,169 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 3 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.0% between Midland and Pasadena (ACS 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 far is Pasadena, TX from Midland, TX?
The driving distance is 497 mi and the route typically takes 9h 36m via TX 71 and US 87. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Midland vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $91,169 in Midland β a 29.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Midland to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 497 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 Midland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $328,325 in Midland β a 33.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Midland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $50,470 in the Midland MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 114,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Midland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 3.0% higher than Midland (98.629 vs 95.783, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Midland.
City profiles: Midland, TX Β· Pasadena, TX.