Over recent years, more and more people are moving from California to Texas. You may be asking yourself, should I move to Texas from California? Well, that depends. California and Texas are two of the largest states in the U.S., but they are vastly different. There are many benefits of relocating to Texas, but also some unfavorable factors to consider. This guide will highlight some things to know before moving from California to Texas.
Benefits of Moving to Texas from California
No State Income Tax – California has one of the highest income tax rates in the country. If you move to Texas, you’ll enjoy a financial break as Texas is one of seven states without a state income tax.
Lower Cost of Living – The housing market in Texas is significantly less expensive than you’ll find in California. In fact, you’ll find food, entertainment, healthcare and higher education are all less expensive in Texas than in California.
Faster Growing Economy – Texas’ economy is booming. Unemployment is down as the oil, wine, wind power and manufacturing industries continue to grow.
Southern Hospitality – Texas is known as “The Friendship State,” so you can expect warm welcomes and generous hospitality wherever you go.
Though living in Texas has its perks, there are a few cons of moving from California to Texas. First, Texas experiences extreme heat and humidity during the summer months, which can be both intense and uncomfortable when you are used to a mild California climate. Spring months can also bring violent storms, including tornadoes and large hail. Texas also has problems with traffic, mainly north-to-south interstates such as I-35, that can make travel less convenient. Lastly, property taxes in Texas are higher than the nation’s average.
Costs and Expenses
The cost of moving from California to Texas varies widely for each individual and family. Moving a three-bedroom home and two automobiles halfway across the country will be far more costly than moving a one-bedroom apartment. When it comes to the cost of moving your belongings, the most important factor is weight. The more stuff you move, the more expensive your estimate will be.
DIY vs. Packing Service – Consider whether you want to include premium packing services in your move estimate or if you’d rather pack your belongings yourself. You may find self-packing is a more feasible option if you have a smaller home or apartment and plenty of free time. Otherwise, it may be preferable to avoid the stress and let the professionals take care of this for you.
Moving During Peak Season – Moving between May and September will cost more than any other time of the year, due to demand and limited capacity. If you can swing it, moving in the “off-season” will save you a considerable amount of money on your relocation.
In any case, it’s best to get an estimate and hire a quality moving company to ease the stress of moving across the country.
Cost of Living in California vs. Texas
For many, the decision to move to Texas from California is influenced by the drastic comparison in cost of living. The cost of living in Texas is significantly less than California, the driving factor being housing and rent. In fact, Texas has a $166,374 median home value, according to SmartAsset. Not only are home prices affordable, rent prices are favorable compared to California. The median rate for a one-bedroom rental is $844 in Texas and nearly $1,410 in California. Texas also ranks among or below the national average in utility costs, healthcare, food and transportation.
If you are considering a move to Texas, it’s best to speak with a financial advisor to discuss how the relocation could impact your long-term financial plans.
Checklist
Having a plan is crucial when moving out of state, as it keeps you organized and reduces stress. We find the Moving Out of State Checklist and the Moving to Texas Checklist are helpful in planning a relocation.
DMV Considerations
If you are a new Texas resident, you may legally drive with a valid, unexpired driver’s license from another state for up to 90 days before applying for a new Texas driver’s license. Here’s everything you need to know about the application process for new Texas residents.
You will need to provide the following:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship – U.S. Passport or birth certificate
- Proof of Texas Residency – Documents containing the individual’s name and residential address
- Proof of Identity – Marriage license, divorce decree, etc.
- Social Security Number
- Evidence of Texas Vehicle Registration for each vehicle you own
- Proof of Insurance for each vehicle you own
- Evidence of completion of the Impact Texas Driver (ITD) and a six-hour adult Driver Education course
Once you have necessary documents, you can apply to get your Texas driver’s license following these steps:
- Complete driver license application
- Visit local driver license office
- Provide documentation listed above
- Pay application fee
- Provide thumbprints
- Take picture for database
- Pass vision exam
- Complete testing requirements for state of Texas
Moving from California to Texas is a big decision, and we’re here to help! Contact us if you’d like to know what we can do for you.