Moving to Texas: costs, checklist and what to know
Texas at a glance for movers: South region · largest city Houston · capital Austin · Central (El Paso and the far west are on Mountain) time.
Quick facts for moving to Texas
- Income tax: Texas does not have a broad state income tax on wages.
- Sales tax: Texas's statewide sales tax rate is 6.25%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Texas driver's license within 90 days, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Dallas to Houston (about 270 road miles) runs roughly $520–$1,030 with a rental truck or $1,830–$4,270 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Texas
- Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are relatively high, so compare total housing costs, not just prices.
- Driver licenses come from DPS, and vehicle registration from your county tax assessor-collector. New residents have 30 days to register a car.
- Homeowners can apply for a homestead exemption with the county appraisal district, which lowers the taxable value of a primary home.
Main cities and metros include Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth. Texas borders New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.
How much does it cost to move to Texas?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Houston, the largest city in Texas. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 1,700 | $2,450–$4,630 | $4,120–$9,420 |
| Los Angeles | 1,640 | $2,380–$4,520 | $4,020–$9,200 |
| Chicago | 1,130 | $1,710–$3,250 | $3,210–$7,370 |
| Dallas | 270 | $520–$1,030 | $1,830–$4,270 |
| Atlanta | 840 | $1,260–$2,410 | $2,740–$6,320 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Texas moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Texas
October through April. Summer heat is intense statewide, and the Gulf Coast faces hurricanes from June through November.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Texas new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Texas: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Texas?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 270 miles from Dallas to Houston costs roughly $520–$1,030 if you rent a truck or $1,830–$4,270 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
No. Texas does not have a broad state income tax on wages.
What is the sales tax in Texas?
Texas's statewide sales tax rate is 6.25%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a Texas driver's license after moving?
90 days, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Texas?
October through April. Summer heat is intense statewide, and the Gulf Coast faces hurricanes from June through November.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.