Moving to Texas in 2026: Everything You Actually Need to Know
Texas is America’s number one destination for out-of-state movers. No income tax, job growth, and a lower cost of living than coastal states explain the numbers. Here is a clear-eyed guide to what is true, what is overhyped, and how to plan your move.
Is Moving to Texas Actually Worth It?
Texas receives more domestic migrants than any other state — roughly 500,000 net new residents per year over the past five years. That is not a fluke. The combination of zero state income tax, a diversified economy with strong job markets in tech, healthcare, and energy, and a lower cost of living than coastal states drives real migration.
But it is not for everyone. The trade-offs are real: property taxes among the highest in the nation, summers that hit 100F for weeks at a time, and infrastructure that has struggled with extreme weather events. Going in informed is the point of this guide.
💡 Key finding: Texas lacks an income tax, saving the average household with $80,000 in income roughly $3,000–$4,000 per year compared to California or New York. However, property taxes (2.1% average effective rate) often offset this for homeowners.
Cost of Living in Texas by City
Texas overall cost of living sits about 3% below the national average, but this varies dramatically by city. Austin has seen significant price increases and now rivals many coastal cities. San Antonio and El Paso remain genuinely affordable.
| City | Median Rent (2BR) | Median Home Price | CoL vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | $1,890 | $485,000 | +8% above |
| Dallas / Fort Worth | $1,650 | $358,000 | +2% above |
| Houston | $1,420 | $298,000 | 3% below |
| San Antonio | $1,180 | $248,000 | 8% below |
| El Paso | $940 | $198,000 | 16% below |
What It Costs to Move to Texas
What you pay to move to Texas depends heavily on where you are coming from. These ranges are based on our database of recent full-service moves:
- From California to Texas: $3,200–$6,800 (1,400–1,800 miles, 2BR home)
- From New York to Texas: $3,800–$7,200 (1,700–2,000 miles, 2BR home)
- From Illinois to Texas: $2,400–$5,100 (900–1,100 miles, 2BR home)
- From Florida to Texas: $2,000–$4,400 (900–1,200 miles, 2BR home)
Container shipping options (PODS, U-Pack) can reduce these costs by 20–35% if you have flexibility on delivery timing.
Best Cities to Move to in Texas
Which city is right depends entirely on your priorities:
- Austin: Tech jobs, live music, outdoor lifestyle. Highest cost in the state but strong job market for tech professionals.
- Dallas / Fort Worth: Most diversified economy, large corporate headquarters presence, strong suburbs and school districts.
- Houston: Energy sector, world-class medical center, most diverse metro in the state. Most affordable large city after San Antonio.
- San Antonio: Military, tourism, healthcare. Most affordable major metro. Good for families and retirees.
The Real Trade-Offs
No honest guide to Texas relocation leaves these out:
- Property taxes: At 2.1% average effective rate, Texas has some of the highest in the country. A $350,000 home means roughly $7,350 in annual property taxes — significantly higher than the national average.
- Summer heat: Dallas, Houston, and Austin regularly see 90–105F from June through September. Energy bills in summer are significant.
- Car-dependent: Texas cities are built around cars. Public transit is limited outside downtown cores. Budget for vehicle ownership and gas.
- Storm risk: Hurricane risk for the Gulf Coast (Houston, Corpus Christi). Tornado risk in North Texas. Freeze events (as seen in 2021) can strain the electrical grid.
Data-backed cost range for your origin and home size.
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