Moving to Texas from Florida Benefits, Cost & More

* Average moving cost is based on a 2,000 mile two-bedroom move. Cost can vary significantly based on move weight and distance. Be sure to request a free quote to get an accurate estimate for your move.

• Discover the Best Moving Companies in Texas
• Discover the Best Moving Companies in Florida

Should You Move from Florida to Texas?

Whether you’re looking for an urban cultural hub, or would rather opt for a quieter rural setting, Texas has plenty of options to choose from. Lower housing costs and general costs of living, as well as a comparatively light tax burden, make this one of the most popular places to move to.

Housing Costs

The figures listed here outline the median homeownership and rental costs associated with life in Orlando, FL, and Houston, TX. Even when living in a large city in Texas, you can find relatively cheap housing.

• Home Cost: Houston’s median home cost is $220,000. This is $74,000 lower than Orlando, and well below national averages for urban living. In fact, Texas as a whole has housing costs that are nearly 16% below the US average.
• Rent: The rents listed here reflect costs in the above-mentioned cities. Houston rent for an 881-square-foot apartment is $500 less than a slightly larger apartment in Orlando.
• Utilities: Average monthly utility costs are $31 higher in Texas. This is one of the few areas where the Lone Star State is more costly.

Cost of Living

Almost across the board, Texas is far less expensive than the Sunshine State, which further illustrates why so many residents make this exact move each year.

(Source)

• Food, entertainment and clothing: Groceries are 15.3% less expensive in Texas, while an average meal at a sit-down restaurant is 8.3% less expensive.
• Transportation: Transportation costs are nearly 10% lower in Texas than in Florida, which is helped by a relative fuel cost that is 10.4% lower.
• Taxes: Both Florida and Texas are among the nine US states that don’t impose any state-level income taxes. Property taxes in Texas are among the highest in the nation, at 1.8%.

Weather & Climate

In both states, you’ll see more sunshine and hot weather than you will throughout much of the US. Texas winters are slightly colder, however, as January highs are almost nine degrees lower than those Florida experiences during the same month.

Job Opportunities

In both Florida and Texas, manufacturing jobs are among the most sought-after, and are driving economic growth. Florida has a strong presence in aerospace and aviation, as well as security and information technology. In Texas, construction has seen a boom with the influx of new residents, while financial services and energy are also on the rise.

• Unemployment Rates: Texas’ unemployment rate is higher than Florida’s, but not terrible at 4.8%. With how quickly the state is growing, new jobs are created here at a high rate, which is sure to help continue the improving trend in unemployment statistics.
• Median Wages: At $69,536, Texas has a higher median household income while also sporting a lower cost of living. This makes it far easier to afford basic necessities and even some luxuries if you’re an average earner here. Florida’s lower median household income of $60,702 isn’t uncomfortably low but still necessitates tighter budgeting.

Things to Do

Both Florida and Texas host many of the nation’s leading tourist destinations and cultural centers. No matter the kind of lifestyle you’re looking to lead, you’ll be able to find a place in both states to comfortably call home.

• Florida: From visiting the Everglades National Park, to bar and club hopping in Miami, Florida presents far more than just the Disney theme parks in Orlando. The state has a wide variety of attractions, from its ample hunting and fishing destinations to scenic beaches.
• Texas: Texas is as known for its cities as it is for its wide-open spaces. Whether you’d prefer a cosmopolitan, more hectic lifestyle in the Dallas/ Fort Worth Metroplex, or would rather opt for a quieter existence in the country, you’ll be satisfied with your options here.

Lifestyle & Culture

Texans as a group are proud of their state’s fiercely independent history. The state is a cross-section of the Deep South, prairies, and its neighbor, Mexico. This is apparent in the cross-section of Latin and European cultures which collide and mix here.  That aside, this historically red state has become an increasingly more contentious battleground in recent election cycles. This is evident in an increasingly more polarized split in attitudes between urban and rural voters, which could influence where you ultimately decide to live.

How Much Does It Cost to Move from Florida to Texas?

A primary influencing factor on your moving cost will be your move method. We’ve outlined costs for the main three kinds of moves here.

• Full-Service Moving Companies: Full-service moves will afford you the most convenience by far. These companies are able to offer a full range of add-on services to expedite your relocation. Often, this will come at the highest possible cost.
• Container Services: Container services allow you to go at your own pace with loading and unloading, while the company in question assumes liability for your goods in transit. This is ideal for small to mid-sized moves, although some companies can accommodate large homes.
• Moving Truck Rental: DIY moves are by far the cheapest option. To get the full benefit of this kind of move, you should preferably live in a smaller home, however. This will allow you to relocate without paying for labor.

The costs below are based on 1,000-mile relocations. They’ve been taken from actual moves of that length, carried out by the top providers below.

Cost Factors

Here are some other cost factors to consider when booking any move.

• Season: Moving companies are at their busiest in the summer months. From May through September, you’ll find it more difficult to book with the mover of your choice unless you do so in advance. Some movers bill higher rates during this time.
• Advance Booking: Booking your move within a few days or a week of your prospective move date can lead to higher fees if you’re able to book at all. Try to have your move scheduled at least a month in advance.
• Move Distance & Shipment Weight: These two factors are used to determine your long-distance moving costs. Movers will often have set processes for weighing trucks before and after loading.
• Service Requirements: Add-ons such as packing or crating will substantially increase costs. Remember this when you get estimates.

Best Places to Live in Texas

1. Fort Worth: Fort Worth – and its sister city, Dallas, for that matter – consistently rate among the best places to live in the US. The population of 874,000 is quickly growing and for good reason. It has become a hub for young professionals due to its competitive job market, nightlife options, and safety. It’s both a great place to have fun and a great place to raise a family.
2. Plano: This relatively smaller city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex enjoys a reputation as one of the greenest places to live in the entire country. With more than 1,000 acres of preserves and numerous smaller parks, Plano’s recreational facilities are its strong point. Plenty of entertainment options, high median incomes, and great safety ratings make this locale highly desirable.
3. Austin: The Texas state capital has quickly become a hub for the arts and young professionals. In the last thirty years, Austin has more than doubled in size. Despite this, there are still plenty of job opportunities for those who want to live here. Though it can feel congested with the recent growth, many find this city to be worth the hassle. Rent is reasonable, at $1,344 for a two-bedroom apartment, but median homeownership costs have risen to $551,200. If your budget allows it, this is a great place to call home.
4. Frisco: Despite Austin’s reputation, Frisco takes the prize for the fastest-growing city in the state. This city of roughly 208,000 was a tiny community of 6,000 at the 1990 census. This is due mainly to its proximity to the DFW Metroplex, with many of its residents working in nearby Dallas. Median incomes are among the highest in the state, at $127,133, although high property values offset this. With one of the lowest crime rates in the state, this is an increasingly popular choice for those who want to raise a family.
5. Round Rock: Round Rock is another of Texas’ fastest-growing cities. Located just north of Austin, it is the home of Dell Technologies’ headquarters campus, which provides many of the jobs in the area. Despite high property values, life here is fairly affordable. Those who live here enjoy some of the highest incomes in the state, with a median of over $80,000.

How to Choose a Moving Company

When you get quotes, you should always keep the following in mind.

• Service Profile: Many movers will offer a similar range of services, but to different abilities, at different rates. Discuss any add-ons you could need when you get quotes from each provider.
• Agreeable Pricing: Shopping around and getting multiple estimates is the best way to book at a competitive rate.
• Well-Reviewed: Third-party reviews, such as social media posts, Google, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau reviews are valuable resources to consult before booking estimates. They’ll give you better insight into how each mover you encounter does business.
• FMCSA Registration: All interstate moving companies must carry federal registration with the FMCSA. As such, they all have to carry USDOT and MC numbers as well. These can be used to research complaint history and registration status through this link.
• Workers’ Compensation: Moving companies all need to carry this form of insurance to protect themselves and clients in case of work-related injuries during moves. Without this, you could be held liable for damages.
• Released Liability Coverage: At a rate of $0.60 per pound, per item, this provides for reimbursement for lost or damaged goods. If need be, you can purchase additional valuation coverage from your mover.

Start Planning Your Move Today

You should begin the moving process around eight weeks ahead of your planned relocation. At this point, you should take a full inventory of your home and write up a service list. Get quotes starting around the six-week mark. Between then and a month ahead of your move, you should try to have your relocation booked with a qualified mover. Doing this will help you to finalize your timeline. Having an end date to prepare for early on will increase your chances of a successful move.