Moving from Santa Maria, CA to Pasadena, CA
Relocating between Santa Maria, CA and Pasadena, CA is a 161 mi drive β 3h 20m 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.
161 mi Β· 3h 20m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 134, US 101, CA 154 |
| Major cities en route | Palmdale, Pomona, West Covina, El Monte, Garden Grove |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Santa Maria | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.798 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 149.807 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.394 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 108.798 vs 113.566 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.4% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $658,011 to $1,209,228 moving to Pasadena.
YoY change: Santa Maria +1.5%, Pasadena -1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Santa Maria | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 73Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 13.3" | 20.1" |
Expect 7.4Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Pasadena gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SANTA MARIA PUBLIC AP, CA US, PASADENA, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Santa Maria | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,880 | 136,462 |
| Median household income | $84,617 | $103,778 |
| Median age | 29.3 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.2% | 30% |
| Avg household size | 3.78 | 2.39 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.4% β $84,617 β $103,778 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
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.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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
Is Pasadena more expensive than Santa Maria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 4.4% higher than Santa Maria (113.566 vs 108.798, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pasadena, CA from Santa Maria, CA?
The driving distance is 161 mi and the route typically takes 3h 20m via CA 134 and US 101. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Santa Maria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,209,228 in Pasadena vs $658,011 in Santa Maria β a 83.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Santa Maria to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 161 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 Santa Maria vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,778 in Pasadena vs $84,617 in Santa Maria β a 22.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Santa Maria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Pasadena MSA vs $48,280 in the Santa Maria MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 202,410 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Santa Maria.
City profiles: Santa Maria, CA Β· Pasadena, CA.