Moving from Newark, NJ to Pasadena, TX
A 1612 mi cross-country move between Newark and Pasadena is 29h 52m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 11 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1612 mi Β· 29h 52m by car Β· NJ β PA β MD β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β MD β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newark | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 12.4% moving from Newark to Pasadena β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $478,455 in Newark to $217,449 in Pasadena, a 12.4% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Newark -0.8%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newark | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 55.6" |
Annual average temperature jumps 16.3Β°F β 54.8Β°F in Newark vs 71.1Β°F in Pasadena, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newark | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,188 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $48,416 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.2% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 3 |
Pasadena households earn about 12.4% more than Newark at the median β $48,416 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 New Jersey 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (16.3Β°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
How far is Pasadena, TX from Newark, NJ?
The driving distance is 1612 mi and the route typically takes 29h 52m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Newark?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $59,390 in the Newark MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Newark vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $48,416 in Newark β a 32.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Newark?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 12.4% lower than Newark (98.629 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Newark to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1612 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 Newark?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $478,455 in Newark β a 54.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Newark.
City profiles: Newark, NJ Β· Pasadena, TX.