Moving from Pasadena, TX to Austin, TX
Relocating between Pasadena, TX and Austin, TX is a 182 mi drive β 3h 32m 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.
182 mi Β· 3h 32m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | TX 71, I 10, US 90 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Sugar Land, Houston, Pearland, League City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Austin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 120.361 | 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
0.6% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Austin -5.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 36.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Austin β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,345 | 967,862 |
| Median household income | $64,270 | $91,461 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.7% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 2.2 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.6% β $64,270 β $91,461 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Austin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Austin average 97Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Austin compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Austin MSA vs $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Austin compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,530 in Austin vs $217,449 in Pasadena β a 133.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Austin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 182 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 Pasadena vs Austin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,461 in Austin vs $64,270 in Pasadena β a 42.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Austin more expensive than Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Austin is 0.6% lower than Pasadena (98.066 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Austin, TX from Pasadena, TX?
The driving distance is 182 mi and the route typically takes 3h 32m via TX 71 and I 10. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pasadena.
City profiles: Pasadena, TX Β· Austin, TX.