Living in Texas can be a unique experience. This is natural, as it is the second-largest state in America.
Texas had more than 30 million residents in 2022. So, you can be one of the new residents and start a new chapter in your life. However, there are some things that you may need to know before moving to Texas, whether it is for a job opportunity or to be close to family.
In this ultimate Texas moving guide, we will share some facts that you need to know to make your move to the Lone Star State as smooth as possible.
Things to Know Before Moving to Texas
The following considerations may come in handy if you are planning to move to Texas soon. Without waiting any further, let’s jump into them…
1) Texas is Warm
Unlike northern states, Texas is very warm. There are seasonal variations as well as changes in microclimates. Forget about having an immense cold in this state. Instead, it will remain mostly mild in the winter. Winter lows can reach 36 °F, and summer highs can reach 94 °F.
2) About the Income Tax
You will be glad to know that Texas not only has a low sales tax but also no state income tax. This is a big reason why people love to move here. A government website states that there are only several fees, assessments, and a few types of taxes (which are common in other states) if you live in Texas.
3) The Diverse Culture of Texas
Texas is booming with culture. Here, people speak mostly English and Spanish. Here, the two largest ethnic groupings are White and Hispanic, with Black and Asian following. You may observe racial and cultural variety, especially near the south side of Fort Worth. Therefore, a proper guideline is essential before moving into this part of Texas.
4) Utility Bills
You may pay higher utility bills when living in other US states. However, this is different in Texas. The energy industry is deregulated in Texas. After migrating to Texas, you can select an energy provider for the majority of the state. As a result, you will ultimately spend less on fuel, gas, and electricity.
5) The Job Market in Texas
Jobs in the oil and energy industries have historically been associated with Texas. Such companies are still among the state’s largest job providers. You may also find careers involving green energy in the domains of wind and solar energy. In this state, career opportunities are also expanding in the fields of technology, healthcare, and education.
6) Come to Texas if You are a Food Lover
Texas is famous for BBQ and steak. Some popular steaks are even named after this state. Anyone will agree that Texas is the perfect location for meat lovers. Apart from meat, you may discover a variety of ethnic and contemporary cuisines, especially in the big cities of this state. So, if you are a food lover and wondering whether to move to Texas, then don’t wait any longer.
7) Deal with the Traffic
Like anything else in Texas, the traffic jams are also big. Public transportation is scarce in this state, and the roads are kind of spread out. Therefore, almost everyone seems to own a vehicle, unless they are tourists. Sometimes, they all come out with their cars and get stuck on the same road, creating heavy traffic jams. So, you may spend some time on the road when you have to commute a long way to work.
A Cost Breakdown to Live in Texas
Now that we have shared the important considerations before moving to Texas, let’s get to the costs associated with it. The cost of living in this state is the first thing people consider. Although Texas is a very affordable state to live in, the cost of living can vary significantly from area to area.
Here is a breakdown of living costs in Texas…
- Housing: The average home value in Texas is $214,045, while the national median is $266,104, according to Zillow. However, housing costs can vary depending on the area. For instance, a house in El Paso is typically sold for $132,381, whereas you have to count on $468,459 for a typical house in Austin.
- Utilities: You may already know that utility bills are lower in Texas, and they are generally lower than the national average. According to Numbeo, the average monthly utility bill for a 915-square-foot apartment in Texas is $155.73, while the national average is $189.50.
- Transportation: Along with utility bills, the transportation costs in Texas are generally lower than the national average. With no state income tax, you pay relatively less for gasoline than most states in America. As a result, this can offset the cost of owning a car.
- Taxes: A major advantage of living in Texas is no state income tax. Having said that, property taxes are relatively higher in Texas. Moreover, you may need to pay high sales taxes in some areas.
- Some Mentionable Areas: On average, all the cities in Texas are very affordable to live in. However, the following regions in Texas have a noticeably cheap cost of living:
- Harker Heights: 11% lower cost of living than the national average.
- San Antonio: 10% lower cost of living than the national average.
- Pearland: 5% lower cost of living than the national average.
- Little Elm: 3.7% lower cost of living than the national average.
- Austin: 3% lower cost of living than the national average.
- Dallas: 2.7% lower cost of living than the national average.
Moving to Texas can begin a new adventure in your life. But you should be prepared after considering the living costs and the aforementioned factors. With these considerations in mind, we can guarantee your move to Texas will be smooth and that you can start your new life in the Lone Star State with confidence.
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