Moving from Thornton, CO to Pasadena, TX
Relocating 1048 mi from Thornton to Pasadena is a 19h 11m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1048 mi Β· 19h 11m by car Β· TX β OK β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, I 45, US 81 |
| Major cities en route | Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, Houston, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Thornton | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.8% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Pasadena at 98.629 vs Thornton at 105.782.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.8% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $502,945 to $217,449 moving to Pasadena.
YoY change: Thornton -3.3%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Thornton | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 55.6" |
Expect 18.7Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHGLENN, CO US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Thornton | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,878 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $100,985 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.3% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 3 |
Expect median household income to fall 6.8% β $100,985 β $64,270 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 | 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.
Moving between Colorado and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Thornton vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $100,985 in Thornton β a 36.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Thornton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 6.8% lower than Thornton (98.629 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Thornton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $58,490 in the Thornton MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Pasadena, TX from Thornton, CO?
The driving distance is 1048 mi and the route typically takes 19h 11m via US 287 and I 45. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Thornton to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1048 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Thornton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $502,945 in Thornton β a 56.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Thornton.
City profiles: Thornton, CO Β· Pasadena, TX.