Moving from Pasadena, CA to Santa Maria, CA
Relocating between Pasadena, CA and Santa Maria, CA is a 161 mi drive β 3h 20m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
161 mi Β· 3h 20m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 134, US 101, CA 154 |
| Major cities en route | Palmdale, Pomona, West Covina, El Monte, Garden Grove |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Santa Maria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 108.798 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 149.807 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 151.394 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.2% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Pasadena -1.0%, Santa Maria +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 73Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 20.1" | 13.3" |
Expect 7.4Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PASADENA, CA US, SANTA MARIA PUBLIC AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,462 | 109,880 |
| Median household income | $103,778 | $84,617 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 29.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30% | 11.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 3.78 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.2% lower in Santa Maria than Pasadena.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Maria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,340 | $35,370 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,000 | $48,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,770 | $37,820 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 13,920 | $66,060 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations | 13,560 | $36,290 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Santa Maria sees only 13.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Santa Maria compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,280 in the Santa Maria MSA vs $50,490 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 202,410 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Santa Maria compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,011 in Santa Maria vs $1,209,228 in Pasadena β a 45.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Santa Maria more expensive than Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Maria is 4.2% lower than Pasadena (108.798 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Pasadena vs Santa Maria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $84,617 in Santa Maria vs $103,778 in Pasadena β a 18.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Santa Maria, CA from Pasadena, CA?
The driving distance is 161 mi and the route typically takes 3h 20m via CA 134 and US 101. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Santa Maria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 161 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pasadena.
City profiles: Pasadena, CA Β· Santa Maria, CA.