Moving from Pasadena, TX to Richardson, TX
The 273 mi from Pasadena to Richardson translate to about 4h 55m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
273 mi Β· 4h 55m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 45, SHT, HTR |
| Major cities en route | Pearland, League City, Houston, Sugar Land, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Richardson | 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 |
Richardson and Pasadena are close on the overall BEA RPP (98.629 vs 103.09); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Richardson typical home at $440,400 is 4.5% above Pasadena at $217,449 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Richardson -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| 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" |
Climate cools by 5.3Β°F on the annual average β 71.1Β°F β 65.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,345 | 118,269 |
| Median household income | $64,270 | $96,257 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.7% | 33.1% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 4.5% between Pasadena and Richardson (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richardson 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 Richardson 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
When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Richardson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 273 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Richardson, TX from Pasadena, TX?
The driving distance is 273 mi and the route typically takes 4h 55m via I 45 and SHT. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Richardson compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Richardson 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 does household income compare in Pasadena vs Richardson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,257 in Richardson vs $64,270 in Pasadena β a 49.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Richardson more expensive than Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richardson 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 Richardson compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $440,400 in Richardson vs $217,449 in Pasadena β a 102.5% 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· Richardson, TX.