Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Pasadena, TX
It is a 462 mi drive, roughly 8h 18m, between Oklahoma City, OK 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.
462 mi Β· 8h 18m by car Β· OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 45, I 35, I 35E |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Fort Worth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oklahoma City | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 9.1% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.1% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Oklahoma City -0.3%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Oklahoma City | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 27Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.4" | 55.6" |
Annual temperature rises 11.0Β°F moving to Pasadena per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oklahoma City | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 688,693 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $66,702 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 35 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 3 |
Median household incomes in Oklahoma City ($66,702) and Pasadena ($64,270) are within a few percent (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 Oklahoma 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.0Β°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 Oklahoma City, OK?
The driving distance is 462 mi and the route typically takes 8h 18m via I 45 and I 35. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Oklahoma City to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 462 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 Oklahoma City vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $66,702 in Oklahoma City β a 3.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Oklahoma City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 9.1% higher than Oklahoma City (98.629 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Oklahoma City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $206,713 in Oklahoma City β a 5.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Oklahoma City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Oklahoma City.
City profiles: Oklahoma City, OK Β· Pasadena, TX.