About 102,000 Californians moved to Texas in 2022, making it the biggest state-to-state move in the whole country. People keep moving from California to Texas because of lower costs, better job chances, and different ways of living. But moving across 1,300 to 1,500 miles is a big decision that needs careful planning.

Why Are People Moving From California to Texas?

The cost of living difference between California and Texas is huge. California has the third-highest cost of living in the United States, while Texas ranks as the 15th cheapest. California homes cost an average of $738,700, while Texas homes average $332,600. That means you can buy more than twice the house in Texas for the same money.

Rent is also much cheaper. A two-bedroom apartment in Texas costs around $1,850 per month compared to $2,800 in California.

Texas has no state income tax. California’s income tax can go up to 13.3 percent for high earners. For someone making $150,000 per year, that saves almost $8,000 per year. These savings add up fast over time.

Gas costs less in Texas, too. Regular gas in Texas averages $2.70 per gallon, while California gas costs $4.73 per gallon. Groceries for a family of four run about $300 per week in Texas compared to $392 per week in California.

How Much Does it Cost to Move From California to Texas?

Hiring professional movers to take you from California to Texas costs between $4,000 and $8,000 on average. The exact cost depends on how much stuff you have and what services you need. 

Consider getting different quotes from local long distance movers in California to get precise estimates and competitive pricing.

If you rent a truck and do it yourself, you pay less but have to drive the truck, pack, load and unload everything.

The drive takes 20 to 24 hours if you’re going straight through. Most people split it into two or three days. Flying takes 3 to 4 hours from California to major Texas cities like Dallas or Houston, but then you still need to get your stuff moved.

Best Cities in Texas if You’re Moving From California

Austin draws the most Californians because it has a strong tech industry. Companies like Tesla, Oracle, and others moved their headquarters from California to Austin. The city is called Silicon Hills because of all the tech jobs. Austin also has live music, outdoor activities, and a younger crowd.

Dallas and Fort Worth have strong job markets in tech, finance, and healthcare. The area is family-friendly with good schools. Housing costs less than in Austin, but you still get access to big city stuff like restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.

Houston offers the most affordable housing among big Texas cities. The city has diverse industries, including energy, healthcare, and shipping. Houston also has really diverse food options because so many different cultures live there. The Texas Medical Center is the world’s largest healthcare complex.

San Antonio has a rich history and cultural tradition. The city feels like at a slower pace than Austin or Dallas. It’s good for people who want Texas life without the rush of bigger cities. Housing costs even less here than in other major Texas cities.

Weather Differences Between California and Texas

  • Heat: Texas weather is very different from California weather. Summers in Texas get over 100 degrees, especially in Dallas, Houston, and central Texas. The heat lasts for months. Humidity is much higher than in California, which makes it feel even hotter.
  • Storms/Hurricanes/Tornadoes: Texas gets severe weather that California doesn’t deal with. Hurricanes hit the coast from June through November. Tornadoes happen in spring and fall across many parts of the state. Winter Storm Uri in 2021 left millions of people without power during a deep freeze.
  • Allergies: Cedar fever bothers many people who move to Texas. It’s an allergy to cedar pollen that hits in winter and makes people feel sick.

Job Market and Salaries: California vs. Texas

Texas added 327,400 jobs from September 2023 to 2024, a 2.3 percent growth rate. California added 265,300 jobs during the same time, a 1.5 percent growth rate. Texas unemployment sits at 4.2 percent while California’s is 5.5 percent.

Big companies keep moving from California to Texas. Tesla, Chevron, Charles Schwab, Oracle, and others moved their headquarters to Texas in recent years. This creates more job chances in Texas, especially in tech and business.

But wages in Texas are lower than in California. The average salary in California is $61,751 per year and $30 per hour. In Texas, these numbers drop to $52,532 per year and $25 per hour. You make less money, but things also cost less, so it can even out depending on your job.

Culture and Lifestyle Differences Between Texas and California

People who live in Texas typically say that there’s more talk of politics there compared to California. 

Texas is more spread out. Cities are farther apart, and you need a car to get anywhere. Public transportation isn’t as good as in California cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles. Almost every road around some areas is a toll road, so you pay to drive even though gas costs less.

The food culture in Texas leans very strongly on barbecue and Tex-Mex. Austin has gotten more diverse with different types of restaurants, but some Californians might miss the variety they had back home. Texas does have really good Mexican food and barbecue, though.

Should You Move From California to Texas?

Moving from California to Texas can be a smart decision depending on your situation. It depends on what you value most. If saving money on housing is your main goal and you can handle the weather, Texas might be right for you. If you love California’s weather, beaches, and mountains, you might not be happy in Texas.

People who work in tech, business, or energy often do well with the move because job chances are good. People who work as teachers, nurses, or in other fields might take big pay cuts that make the lower cost of living not that good.

Think about where in Texas you want to live. Austin feels most like California, but it costs more than other Texas cities. If you’re interested in the traditional Texas living, consider moving to Dallas or Houston. San Antonio feels more quiet and costs less. Small towns and suburbs give you even more space and lower costs, but less to do.

Visit Texas before you move if you can. Spend time in different cities during the summer to see if you can handle the heat. Drive around neighborhoods and talk to people who have already made the move. Check out the job market in your field before you commit.