Moving from San Antonio, TX to Pasadena, TX
The 217 mi from San Antonio to Pasadena translate to about 3h 60m 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.
217 mi Β· 3h 60m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, TX 130, US 90 |
| Major cities en route | Sugar Land, Houston, Pearland, League City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| San Antonio | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.716 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.169 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.575 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Pasadena and San Antonio are close on the overall BEA RPP (94.716 vs 98.629); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 4.1% lower in Pasadena than San Antonio as of 2026-03.
YoY change: San Antonio -2.7%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | San Antonio | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.0" | 55.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 69.0Β°F vs 71.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SAN ANTONIO INCARNATE WORD, TX US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | San Antonio | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,458,954 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $62,917 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 3 |
Household income lines up β $62,917 vs $64,270 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pasadena MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 387,430 | $41,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 305,780 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 288,170 | $27,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 269,160 | $35,450 |
| Management Occupations | 268,670 | $109,460 |
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 Pasadena average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Pasadena averages 55.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 San Antonio to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 217 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Pasadena, TX from San Antonio, TX?
The driving distance is 217 mi and the route typically takes 3h 60m via I 10 and TX 130. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in San Antonio vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $62,917 in San Antonio β a 2.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to San Antonio?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $44,390 in the San Antonio MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 1,091,510 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to San Antonio?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $249,810 in San Antonio β a 13.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Pasadena more expensive than San Antonio?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 4.1% higher than San Antonio (98.629 vs 94.716, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from San Antonio.
City profiles: San Antonio, TX Β· Pasadena, TX.