Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Pasadena, TX
It is 1168 mi between Milwaukee and Pasadena β roughly 21h 32m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 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.
1168 mi Β· 21h 32m by car Β· WI β IL β MO β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β MO β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 59, US 67, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Springfield, St Louis, Little Rock, Houston |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 96.937 vs 98.629 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $220,137 vs $217,449.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 55.6" |
Expect 22.8Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 3 |
Pasadena households earn about 1.7% more than Milwaukee at the median β $51,888 β $64,270 on 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.
Moving between Wisconsin 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 (22.8Β°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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1168 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 1.7% higher than Milwaukee (98.629 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 23.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 1.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Pasadena, TX from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 1168 mi and the route typically takes 21h 32m via US 59 and US 67. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI Β· Pasadena, TX.