Moving from Modesto, CA to Pasadena, TX
Moving from Modesto, CA to Pasadena, TX is a 1874 mi cross-country relocation β about 32h 34m of driving through 4 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1874 mi Β· 32h 34m by car Β· CA β AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, CA 99, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Pasadena is 5.3% cheaper than Modesto overall, 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 5.3% below Modesto β $446,494 vs $217,449 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 55.6" |
Pasadena runs 8.0Β°F warmer on the annual average (63.1Β°F vs 71.1Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 3 |
Median household income in Pasadena is 5.3% below Modesto ($77,899 β $64,270, 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 California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
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.
- 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 far is Pasadena, TX from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 1874 mi and the route typically takes 32h 34m via I 10 and CA 99. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 17.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1874 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 5.3% lower than Modesto (98.629 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 51.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Pasadena, TX.