With unbeatable scenery and perfect weather, California is basically heaven with good tacos — or at least it looks that way from the outside.
If you live here, you know it’s a bit more complicated. The Golden State is also home to sky-high housing prices, dangerous wildfires, droughts, and of course the dreaded I-5 parking lot freeway.
So if you’re thinking about making a move, you’re not alone. Tens of thousands of Californians leave the state for new opportunities every year, and many of them land in Texas. From great local culture to a massively reduced cost of living, Texas offers a lot for Californians seeking a new start.
This article covers why people are moving from California to Texas, with input from those who know. We spoke to recent arrivals to find out the top 10 things they wish they knew before they traded flip-flops for cowboy boots.
Droves of Californians Are Moving to Texas
If you’ve been paying attention to the moving market, you know that residents are increasingly fleeing the West Coast. States like Montana and Nebraska have seen an influx, but Texas is at the top of the list. In 2022, over 100,000 Californians moved to Texas — more than any other state in the country.
But why are people choosing specifically to move from the Golden State to Texas?
Here are the top few reasons:
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Lower cost of living: According to Forbes, the cost of living in California is roughly 50 percent higher than in the rest of the country. On the other hand, Texas’s cost of living is about 10 percent lower than that same average.
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No income taxes: Texas is one of the few states that doesn’t include an income tax (although this might be balanced with other expenses, depending on your situation). For a Californian used to income tax rates of up to 12 percent, that’s a pretty big advantage.
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Employment opportunities: Many big businesses have been drawn to Texas by its regulatory and tax landscape. This very much includes the tech sector, which is booming in the Lone Star State — and where good jobs go, new arrivals often follow.
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving from California to Texas
To go a bit deeper, we spoke with several people who made the move, and compiled the top 10 things they wish they knew before trading California sunshine for Texas stars. Here’s what they had to say:
1) Get ready for the Texas weather extremes
In many parts of California, “seasons” are something you see on TV (unless you count June Gloom.) Not so in Texas, where the weather there will keep you guessing.
As the second-largest state in the country, Texas is sort of a mini-country in and of itself, and the diversity of weather and geographic conditions reflect that. If you plan to move to the Panhandle, be prepared for bitter winters and the occasional summer tornado. If you land in central or southern Texas, heat and humidity are definitely in the cards. Those on the Gulf Coast will enjoy beautiful beach weather — oh, and also a hurricane every once in a while.
2) The cost of living in Texas is cheaper (most of the time)
Overall, the cost of living in Texas is much lower than California’s. But it may surprise you just how much cheaper things can be. Simply put, the differences between California and Texas are enormous. For example, the cost of a rental in San Diego is 136 percent higher than an equivalent one in Houston. The cost of a home between the same two cities is 176 percent higher in San Diego. This gap carries over to nearly every category, from fuel and food to prescription drugs and healthcare.
3) Taxes are lower in Texas — for the most part
Generally, you’ll save more on taxes in the Lone Star state than in California. Texas doesn’t impose an income tax, whereas California’s will run you around 1 to 12 percent. Texas also boasts a lower sales tax rate of 6.25 to 8.25 percent, compared with California’s 7.25 to 10.75 percent.
These numbers don’t really tell the whole story though, so be diligent and do your research. For example, California’s property taxes are the 16th-lowest in the country at 0.75 percent. Compare that to Texas, which has an average 1.74 percent sales tax across the state, the fifth-highest property tax burden in the country.
4) Texas beaches just don’t compare
Any day on any beach is better than a day at work. But for Californians moving to Texas, switching from the pristine beaches of Malibu to the Gulf might be a letdown. Many complain that Gulf beaches are “gray and murky” compared to the bright, sandy shores of the West Coast.
5) Texas has a booming job market
Texas’s unemployment rate has consistently remained lower than the national average, hovering around 3.9 percent as of March 2024. Even as late as August 2024, Texas added 78,000 jobs. In contrast, California’s unemployment rate was slightly higher, at around 5.3 percent in 2024.
6) In Texas, you’ll drive a lot more
Both California and Texas are massive states, but California has a more robust public transportation infrastructure, while Texas relies more on highways and open roads. Much of California is also more centralized, meaning it doesn’t take as long to get from one city to the next … at least, depending on where you live (sorry, Lost Coast).
Texas, however, is a bit more rural and spread out. Driving times are long and lonely outside of the Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth areas. Texas also relies heavily on toll roads to fund road projects, with significantly more toll roads than California.
7) Houses are still affordable in Texas
Real estate is one of the most significant differences between California and Texas. While housing prices in major California cities have skyrocketed, Texas still offers affordable options. Los Angeles housing costs are, on average, 133 percent higher than those in Dallas and 181 percent higher than those in Houston. Even comparatively pricy Plano, TX, is 80 percent less expensive than LA.
8) Honky tonks and rodeos are actually really fun
One thing that surprises many Californians is just how much fun honky tonks and rodeos can be. Honky tonks are rollicking roadside bars that often feature live country music and dancing, and they’re a Texas staple. Some of the most famous honky tonks include Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth and “the oldest continually-run dance hall in Texas,” Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, opened in 1878.
Rodeos are another beloved Texas tradition. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Texas institution, one of the largest in the world, drawing millions of visitors annually.
9) Texas’ universities and colleges are impressive
California boasts some of the top colleges in the country, including the University of California (UC) system, Stanford University, and the California Institute of Technology, all of which are rated among the top 10 universities in the country by U.S. News.
Texas, however, is also home to some of the nation’s top universities, including the University of Texas at Austin (#30) and Texas A&M University (#51). Texas state colleges are slightly more expensive compared to California, with the average in-state tuition in Texas costing $11,140 as compared with $10,250 for California. But good pupils take note: the top student at every public high school is guaranteed a free first year at state colleges, thanks to Texas’ Highest Ranking Graduate Program.
10) You don’t go to the DMV for your Texas driver’s license
One of the more confusing aspects of moving to Texas is that you don’t go to the DMV to get your driver’s license. Instead, you must visit the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The Texas DMV does exist, but it handles automobile property taxes, registration, and road management matters.
Moving From California to Texas FAQs
Is it worth moving from California to Texas?
Due to lower taxes and housing costs, many California residents find the move to Texas worth it. Lower housing costs mean you can often afford a more spacious home or apartment, and that can have a big impact on lifestyle. Kids can have their own bedrooms, and things like an in-ground pool or backyard workshop are easier to come by.
For those looking for the sense of community that comes with living in a small town, settling outside of major cities in Texas could prove to be the ideal choice. However, be prepared for changes in climate, transportation, and lifestyle.
What are the benefits of moving to Texas from California?
Californians are moving to Texas for various reasons, including a lower cost of living, no state income tax, affordable housing, and job opportunities in booming industries like tech and energy.
How long does it take to drive from California to Texas?
The drive from California to Texas can take 14 to 24 hours, depending on your starting and ending points. For example, driving from Los Angeles to Austin is about 20 hours.
When do I need to change my driver’s license when I move from California to Texas?
When moving from California to Texas, you must transfer your California driver’s license to a Texas license within 90 days of becoming a resident. This is done at the Texas DPS, not the DMV.
Maybe the Move to Texas Is the Right One for You
Lower taxes, better cost of living, and great job prospects … there’s a lot to like about Texas. However, the scenery, culture, and infrastructure shift might be a bit much for some who make the move. Only you can make an informed decision about whether moving to Texas is the right choice for you.
Colonial Van Lines offers full-service moving options to support you on your next adventure, whether you’re packing up in California to move to the Lone Star State — or any other state in the contiguous U.S. From full-service packing and loading to secure transport of your belongings, we’re with you every step of your way from your old home to your new one. Get a free quote today.