Moving from New Orleans, LA to Pasadena, TX
It is a 353 mi drive, roughly 6h 44m, between New Orleans, LA 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.
353 mi Β· 6h 44m by car Β· LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, SHT, I 610 |
| 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
| New Orleans | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.597 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.231 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.009 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Pasadena runs about 6.5% more expensive overall than New Orleans β RPP 92.597 β 98.629.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Pasadena run about 6.5% cheaper β ZHVI $242,493 β $217,449 (2026-03).
YoY change: New Orleans -3.2%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New Orleans | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 55.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 70.9Β°F vs 71.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New Orleans | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 376,035 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $55,339 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 3 |
Households in Pasadena earn about 6.5% 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.
Moving between Louisiana 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 far is Pasadena, TX from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance is 353 mi and the route typically takes 6h 44m via I 10 and SHT. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Pasadena more expensive than New Orleans?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 6.5% higher than New Orleans (98.629 vs 92.597, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to New Orleans?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $242,493 in New Orleans β a 10.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to New Orleans?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 514,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 353 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 New Orleans vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $55,339 in New Orleans β a 16.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New Orleans.
City profiles: New Orleans, LA Β· Pasadena, TX.