Moving from Pasadena, TX to Plano, TX
It is a 278 mi drive, roughly 5h 5m, between Pasadena, TX and Plano, 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.
278 mi Β· 5h 5m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 45, US 75, TX 3 |
| Major cities en route | Frisco, Mckinney, Denton, Lewisville, Allen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Plano | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Pasadena and Plano sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $217,449 in Pasadena to $498,989 in Plano, a 4.5% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Plano -5.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 41.9" |
Annual temperature drops 5.3Β°F moving to Plano per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,345 | 287,339 |
| Median household income | $64,270 | $108,649 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 39.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.7% | 35.1% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 2.6 |
Plano households earn about 4.5% more than Pasadena at the median β $64,270 β $108,649 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Plano MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
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 Plano average 94Β°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 Plano compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Plano MSA vs $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Plano, TX from Pasadena, TX?
The driving distance is 278 mi and the route typically takes 5h 5m via I 45 and US 75. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Plano?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 278 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 Plano?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $108,649 in Plano vs $64,270 in Pasadena β a 69.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Plano more expensive than Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Plano is 4.5% higher than Pasadena (103.09 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Plano compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $498,989 in Plano vs $217,449 in Pasadena β a 129.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pasadena.
City profiles: Pasadena, TX Β· Plano, TX.