Moving to Texas? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Texas, located in the south, is the United States’s second-largest state – by both population and by land mass – and is known widely for its vast landscapes. Mixing urban cityscapes and nature, Texas has a unique mix of land, home to the cities of Houston, Austin and Dallas.

If you are considering moving to Texas, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Texas Facts:

Population: 29.5 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $61,000+ (2021)
Random Fact: Texas is the second most populous state in the United States, with over 29 million residents – which is where the “Everything is bigger in Texas” tagline comes from.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of mid 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Texas

From State	Approx. Moving Cost ($)
California	2200
Florida	1800
New York	2500
Pennsylvania	2100
Illinois	2000
Ohio	1900
Georgia	1600
North Carolina	1700
Michigan	1800
New Jersey	2400

This table includes the state of origin and an estimated moving cost in US dollars to Texas. Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the exact locations within the states, the volume of goods being moved, and the timing of the move.

For international moves have a look at the best international moving companies in Texas.

2. Texas Housing Costs

The range of rental and house purchase prices in Texas can vary significantly between uptown and downtown areas.

Monthly Rental Prices in Texas

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $2,300+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,600+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $5,000+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,900+

Texas Home Purchase Prices

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $9,520+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $3,800+

Texas Housing Cost Comparison

This is how rents in Texas compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 6.2% more expensive
New York is 35.1% more expensive
Los Angeles is 7.3% more expensive
Toronto is 32.3% cheaper
Sydney is 10.5% cheaper
Paris is 57.1% cheaper
Dubai is 31.9% cheaper

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: iRoommate
Different Areas – Different Prices: In cities like Austin and Dallas, downtown apartments can range from approximately $1,500 to $3,000 per month, while suburban areas and smaller towns outside the city centre offer more affordable options, with house purchase prices ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 or higher.

3. Texas Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Texas is famous for its vibrant culinary scene and Tex-Mex cuisine. The state embraces barbecue traditions, with slow-cooked meats and flavourful sauces taking centre stage. Other notable Texan dishes include chilli, breakfast tacos, and a wide variety of Mexican-inspired cuisine. The food culture in Texas is characterised by bold flavours, generous portions, and a love for spice.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $20.00
Takeout Coffee: $5.20
Bottle of Coke: $2.70
1L of Milk: $1.10
Loaf of Bread: $3.30
12 Eggs: $4.20
1kg Chicken: $12.25
1kg Beef: $14.50
1kg Apples: $5.60
1kg White Rice: $3.20

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 12.3% more expensive and groceries are 18.2% cheaper than Texas.
New York restaurants are 14.1% more expensive and groceries are 29.3% more expensive than Texas.
Los Angeles restaurants are 12.5% more expensive and groceries are 10.6% more expensive than Texas.
Toronto restaurants are 14.6% cheaper and groceries are 1.8% cheaper than Texas.
Sydney restaurants are 9% cheaper and groceries are 7.7% more expensive than Texas.
Paris restaurants are 16.5% cheaper and groceries are 7.3% more expensive than Texas.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries

Know Your Supermarkets: Farmers’ markets are popular in Texas, offering fresh produce, locally made products, and a chance to support local farmers and artisans. Major cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas host bustling farmers’ markets throughout the week, providing a diverse range of products. Texas also boasts a mix of affordable and upscale supermarkets, including chain stores like H-E-B and Walmart, as well as higher-end options like Central Market and Whole Foods.
Find Cheap Eats: Texas has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Texas Alcohol Costs

Texas, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $7.00
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $8.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $2.50
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $3.50
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $15.00

How To Drink For Less in Texas

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Take a look at Eater for Happy Hour information.

5. Texas Transportation Fares

Public transport in Texas varies across cities. Major urban areas like Houston and Dallas have extensive public transportation systems that include buses, light rail, and in some cases, commuter trains. However, in more rural parts of the state, public transportation options can be limited, and owning a personal vehicle is often necessary for convenient transportation.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $1.50
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $45.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option. Texas likes to think of itself as a bike-friendly city and has introduced many miles of bike lanes over the last few years.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Texas

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from mid-2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average yearly temperature in Texas varies depending on the region, but in general, it ranges from around 18°C (64°F) in the northern parts to 24°C (75°F) in the southern coastal areas. The coldest month is typically January, with average temperatures ranging from 4°C to 16°C (39°F to 61°F), while the hottest month is July, with average temperatures ranging from 27°C to 35°C (81°F to 95°F). The wettest month in Texas varies, but generally, May and June tend to see increased rainfall across the state.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $70.00
Summer Dress: $53.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): $100.00
Business Shoes: $140.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $75.00
Deodorant: $2.50
Shampoo: $3.50
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.00
Gym Membership: $50.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $14.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Texas

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Texas. If you’re moving to Texas from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Texas:

Volkswagen Golf: $33,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.87

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Texas

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Texas

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

In Texas, the state sales tax rate is 6.25%, but it’s important to note that additional local taxes can be imposed, which vary by city and county. With local taxes included, the total sales tax rate in some areas of Texas can range from 6.25% to 8.25% or higher, depending on the location.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Texas at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Texas you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Texas

If you do make the move to Texas, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $285
New York: $80
Los Angeles: $65
Toronto: $200
Vancouver: $175
Dubai: $750
Sydney: $1,200
Melbourne: $530
Cape Town: $850
Hong Kong: $850

Other Tips on Moving to Texas

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Texas but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Texas Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Texas.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Texas always has something going on. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

12. Moving to Texas with a Family

Texas is often considered family-friendly, with numerous family-oriented attractions, excellent school systems, and a variety of recreational activities.

The crime rate in Texas varies across different cities and neighbourhoods, with some areas experiencing higher crime rates than others. It’s advisable to research and consult local law enforcement or resources for accurate and up-to-date information on crime statistics.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Texas.gov.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: Austin, the capital city of Texas, is often considered one of the most family-friendly areas to live. It offers excellent schools, a vibrant arts and music scene, numerous parks and outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community. Other family-friendly areas in Texas include Plano, Round Rock, and Sugar Land, which boast top-rated schools, safe neighbourhoods, and family-oriented amenities.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Texas. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – take a look at Travel Texas.

13. Moving to Texas for Work

While it is possible to move to Texas without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Texas has a diverse economy with main industries including oil and gas, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and agriculture. The state has a relatively low unemployment rate, with the rate averaging around 5%.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Texas, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Texas from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Texas, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: Queensland is ⅙ of the size of Texas.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Texas that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Texas from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Texas. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: The area of Manitoba is similar in size to Texas.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Texas from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Texas. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: There is no comparable county in the UK, even when all areas are combined.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Texas, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Texas you can start by comparing moving quotes here.