Maybe you’re thinking about following the trend and relocating to Texas from California. If so, be aware that moving across state lines is not usually easy. The essential information about migrating to Texas is outlined in this post, along with pricing, how-to guides, advantages and disadvantages, and housing options.
Should I Move From California to Texas?
According to the 2020 US Census, Texas has the greatest population growth of any state, with 29,145,505 residents—a 4 million increase in just ten years. How exactly did this occur?
Over one out of every ten individuals moving to Texas during COVID-19 originated in California. This California relocation trend is not new, though. The fact that Californians have been the top-ranking group of immigrants to Texas for 19 years running is an intriguing fact about the state. Additionally, since 2011, the annual percentage of Californians relocating to Texas has increased. Numerous celebrities have joined the migration, such as Elon Musk, Elijah Wood, Matthew McConaughey, and Joe Rogan.
Texas, though, attracts more than simply new citizens. It’s starting to draw in business as well. A lot of businesses are choosing to grow or move to Texas. These businesses include, among other Silicon Valley tech enterprises and worldwide corporations, AT&T, Keller Williams, Apple, Hewlett Packard, American Airlines, Tesla, Oracle, and Google.
How Much Does It Cost to Move From California to Texas?
Moving costs are determined by a number of factors, including distance traveled, the amount of floor space being moved, special handling needs, and additional loading or unloading services. While the average cost of a linehaul transfer from California to Texas is $4,200, the cost of a long-distance move might vary from $5,000 to $14,000.
You can save money by renting a U-Haul moving truck, but there might be problems when transferring major items like a piano or huge furniture pieces. Oz Moving’s skilled movers can make sure your possessions get to your new house securely.
Is It Better to Live in Texas or California?
Texas is renowned for its Southern hospitality. For some Californians, this could be a big adjustment. Warm and affable, Texans naturally go over and above to be polite and considerate.
Additionally, Texas offers a range of nice climates, whereas Southern California experiences almost perfect weather. The Gulf of Mexico offers the ideal coastal climate if that’s what you’re after. The center section of the state is perfect if you prefer more distinct seasons. The southeast part of the state experiences year-round tropical weather. The weather in West Texas is arid. No matter where in Texas you live, you can count on pleasant summers and chilly winters.
Is It More Expensive to Live in California or Texas?
A lot of newcomers cite the absurdly high standard of living in California as a major reason for moving to Texas. Check out the following comparisons of major expenses to get a better idea of how the cost of living compares in the two states.
Food costs in California are significantly more than in the Lone Star State, whether one is cooking for oneself or dining out. Texans would only need to spend $2,994 annually to maintain a balanced, nutritious diet, whereas Californians would need to spend $3,573 annually, according to an MIT research comparing spending habits in both states.In California, the annual cost of raising a single child is approximately $32,000. Under the identical circumstances, the annual cost of child care in Texas would only be $25,000.
California is home to a thriving cultural hub, yet its famed entertainment industry is unaffordable. Upon bundling and analyzing recreational costs, transportation costs, and other leisure charges, Californians end up paying 5.4% more annually for comparable events than Texans.
Housing & Real Estate
One of the main causes of the massive migration of Californians to Texas is the high cost of real estate in California. California has seen a sharp increase in home values in recent years, and while Texas has seen price increases as well, Austin offers more value for your money than Los Angeles.
As of August 2021, the average cost of a home in Texas is $257,628; this is an increase of 18.1% in just one year. Compare this to the typical cost of a property in California. In the state, the average house price is already above $708,936, and it increased to $750,000 in 2022—a about 24% increase. Notable among them is the San Francisco Bay Area, where home values rose by 35%.
California likewise has a high property sales tax. With this difference in cost, it is easy to see why Texas appeals to homeowners.
Cost of Living
Texas often has cheaper living expenses than California, in addition to having more affordable housing. Texans spend less on eating out, childcare, groceries, entertainment, medical care, and pet care. Transportation costs are the one area where California beats Texas (maybe as a result of Texans’ strong affinity for cars). Texas generally has somewhat cheaper living expenses than California.
Income Tax
Tax laws in Texas are renowned for being favorable to both businesses and employees. Texas boasts some of the lowest municipal and state tax rates in the nation in addition to not having a personal income tax. 2020 saw a combined local and state income tax rate of 8.19% in Texas and 8.66% in California.
Pros & Cons of Moving From California to Texas
Pros
Employment Opportunities
Texas has the nation’s second-best economy. Its capital, Austin, has a lot of job prospects and ranks in the top 10 fastest-growing cities in the United States. However, despite being a major oil hub, Houston has also experienced growth in sectors such as manufacturing, commerce, and technology. As a result, Texas is starting to draw in a growing number of young professionals looking to launch or further their careers.
Affordability
California and Texas are two of the largest states in the union, but their cost of living is significantly different. With a cost of living that is 30% more than that of Texas, California is one of the most expensive states to live in. Texas’s housing expenses are around 60% lower than those of California. Texas citizens will save money on entertainment, food, transportation, and medical care in addition to housing. Texas is among the few states that do not impose an income tax, which translates to more money in your pocket.
Great Schools
The quality of the school system in Texas is well-known. Its students in public and private schools achieve better results than those in most other states. According to statistics, 84.4% of people who were 24 years of age or older had completed high school.
Texas is a great state for higher education as well. There are about 200 universities in the area, including the University of Texas and Texas A&M University. According to data from the 2020 Census, 30.7% of people who are 25 years of age or older hold a bachelor’s degree or above.
Great Food and Fun
Texas has a lot to be proud of, including its exceptional tacos and BBQ. In Texas, everything is bigger and better, even the food! Every region has its own signature dishes, but several foods are always connected to Texas: Queso, kolaches, chili, chicken-fried steak, and Blue Bell ice cream. Texas is the best food state in America because of this. Dallas and Austin have grown to be important hubs for nightlife and tourism. Whatever your interests—golf, theme parks, live music, or nightlife—Texas has a ton to offer.
Cons
Property Tax Rates
Texas has a high rate of property taxes. Compared to 44 other states in the US, including California, its property tax is higher. If you own real estate, the cost will be more than it would be in California.
Traveling Takes a While
It can take some time to get to other states. Texas is the second largest state, covering 268,597 square miles. Traveling outside of Texas can therefore be difficult and time-consuming.
High Power Bills
In Texas, power companies are frequently joint cooperatives. You may occasionally have very high bills as a result of this.
How Long Does It Take to Move From California to Texas?
The distance between Texas and California, if driven nonstop, is 1,518 miles, or roughly 23 hours and 35 minutes. This time, however, is dependent on the flow of traffic and other factors that can make travel more difficult. It also depends on where in Texas you are going.
However, if you work with California movers, you can count on your belongings to go to Texas as soon as feasible.
What Are the Best Areas to Live in Texas?
Houston
People looking for jobs at large firms and an affordable lifestyle are drawn to Houston. It is a significant center for manufacturing, oil, gas, and healthcare in Texas. It’s a world-class city with a strong economy, reasonably priced housing, and lots of entertainment opportunities. In addition, there are great sports, diverse culinary options, top-notch schools, and enough to see and do.
San Antonio
Big-city amenities and fascinating sights combined with a calm and pleasant atmosphere may be found in San Antonio. Many residents value the city’s strong and stable job market as well as its family-friendly environment. It boasts a wide range of real estate options and affordable housing and renting expenses. It also boasts the popular River Walk, which is a must-see for anyone looking to take a nighttime stroll along the San Antonio River. There are unique shops and restaurants lining The Walk.
Dallas
Because there are so many job opportunities and large corporations choose to locate in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, a large number of people are moving there. Compared to other large cities, Dallas offers more affordable housing and a thriving industry. This is a big benefit for families looking to buy a home in a neighborhood that is family-friendly. Dallas is home to numerous sports teams, fantastic dining establishments, first-rate medical facilities, esteemed educational institutions, and a wealth of open spaces for outdoor recreation.
READY TO MOVE?
Moving across state lines requires a lot of planning and organization. Working with a trustworthy moving company is crucial to guaranteeing correct execution right away. Oz Moving provides a tailored strategy to guarantee an easy long-distance move. In order to guarantee that your belongings arrive safely and on schedule, we provide a range of moving services, such as full-service transportation and packing and unpacking.
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