Moving from Pasadena, TX to Wichita, KS
A move from Pasadena, TX to Wichita, KS covers 620 mi and around 11h 2m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
620 mi Β· 11h 2m by car Β· KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 45, I 35E |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Norman, Denton, Frisco, Mckinney |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Wichita is 9.8% cheaper than Pasadena overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Wichita is 9.8% below Pasadena ($202,720 vs $217,449 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 34.3" |
Wichita is 13.4Β°F cooler on the annual average (71.1Β°F vs 57.7Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Wichita averages 12.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,345 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $64,270 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.7% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 2.52 |
Median household incomes in Pasadena ($64,270) and Wichita ($63,072) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Wichita MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,200 | $38,160 |
| Production Occupations | 30,560 | $49,520 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,850 | $27,770 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 25,880 | $31,600 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,580 | $37,870 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas'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
- Winter gear first: Wichita averages 12.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Wichita average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.4Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $217,449 in Pasadena β a 6.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Wichita more expensive than Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 9.8% lower than Pasadena (88.946 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Wichita, KS from Pasadena, TX?
The driving distance is 620 mi and the route typically takes 11h 2m via I 35 and I 45. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Pasadena vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $64,270 in Pasadena β a 1.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 620 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, TX Β· Wichita, KS.