Texas to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Texas to California

ConsTexas

• Extreme summer heat
• Limited public transport
• Fewer diverse cuisines
• Flat landscape

ProsCalifornia

• Mild coastal climate
• Efficient public transit
• Diverse food scene
• Scenic views

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California

• Higher living expenses
• High state income tax
• Fast-paced lifestyle
• Competitive job market

Texas

• Lower cost of living
• No state income tax
• Slower pace of life
• Strong job market

Pros of moving from Texas to California

• Say goodbye to extreme summer heat and hello to a mild coastal climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited public transport and moving to California with efficient public transit
• Swap the fewer diverse cuisines of Texas for a diverse food scene in California
• Get ready for scenic views in California

Cons of moving from Texas to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Texas to live with higher living expenses in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of no state income tax and have to settle for the con of high state income tax
• Time to bid farewell to a slower pace of life and get used to a fast-paced lifestyle in California
• Swap a strong job market for a competitive job market

Texas vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Texas to California, you will be trading the iconic BBQ Brisket of Texas for the equally delicious Sourdough Bread of California. And while the locals in Texas rave about their flavorful Smoked Ribs and sumptuous Tacos, California residents know they have tasty Fish Tacos and Burritos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tex-Mex Inspired Vegan Bowls they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Texas eateries like Franklin Barbecue, Killen's Barbecue, and The Salt Lick. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chateau Marmont, n/naka, and Chef Tanya's Kitchen.

When comparing lifestyles, California shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Texas. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in California compared to what you are used to in Texas. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in California.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Texas and California

• The Ranch and Colonial architecture that Texas is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Texas's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, California real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and eco-friendly features.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Texas.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Texas.
• California has more of an urban feel than Texas.
• California housing costs are 158% more expensive than they are in Texas, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Texas’s $304,027.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased 42% compared to a 45% increase in Texas.
• Rent in California is 61.04% more expensive than in Texas.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Texas and California

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Texas to California. California gets 21% more sunshine days than Texas.
• California has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Texas.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Texas, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 9 degrees colder than in Texas.
• The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer than they are in Texas.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in California. California receives 1 more inch of rain compared to Texas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Texas and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 27% more than those in Texas
• The COLI in California will be 50% higher than what you are used to living in Texas
• Bummer... By moving from Texas to California, you'll now have a state income tax of 1% to 13.3%
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Texas
• The poverty level is significant in California compared to moderate poverty in Texas
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Texas and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Texas vs. California

• Texas tends to lean traditionally Conservative but is becoming increasingly competitive in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Liberal, especially in urban areas
• California's religious environment can be described as diverse with large numbers of Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, and non-religious individuals
• Texas's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with evangelical Protestantism being significant

Education Guide When Moving from Texas to California

How Much Do Texas to California Movers Cost?

Moving 1,411 miles from Texas to California will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.