California to Texas is one of the busiest interstate corridors in the country, and for clear reasons. Texas has no state personal income tax, housing in most metros costs far less than in coastal California, and Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio all have deep job markets. But Texas is not simply a cheaper California. The tax structure, climate and daily logistics are different, and the best moves plan for those differences.
The Money Picture, Honestly
Income tax disappears
California's rates top out at 13.3%. Texas has no state personal income tax, which is the single biggest savings for many working households.
Property tax goes up
Texas funds local government largely through property taxes, so rates are noticeably higher than California's. Factor them into any home budget, and file for the homestead exemption once you own.
Home prices drop
Median prices in many Texas metros are a fraction of coastal California prices, though popular Austin and Dallas suburbs have climbed.
Bills shift
Gas is usually cheaper. Summer electricity for air conditioning can be high, and homeowners insurance in hail and hurricane areas deserves a careful quote.
Our cost-of-living guide walks through a full side-by-side comparison method, so you can test the numbers for your own income and target neighborhood.
Where Californians Land in Texas
Dallas–Fort Worth
Corporate headquarters, big suburbs like Plano, Frisco and McKinney.
Austin
Tech jobs, live music and fast-growing suburbs like Round Rock and Cedar Park.
Houston
Energy, medicine and the port, with a lower cost of entry than Austin.
San Antonio
Military presence, historic neighborhoods and affordable homes.
Still deciding? Compare them in the best Texas cities for Californians.
Realistic Timelines from California to Texas
| Route | Main interstates | Typical transit |
|---|---|---|
| Bay Area or Los Angeles → Dallas–Fort Worth | I-10, I-20 or I-40 | 5–10 business days |
| California → Austin or San Antonio | I-10, I-35 | 6–11 business days |
| California → Houston | I-10 | 6–12 business days |
| Door to door including packing and loading | 7–14 business days typical |
Off-peak moves often run faster. Summer heat and peak demand can add a few days. Your coordinator gives you a delivery window for your specific route at booking.
Your California to Texas Move, Step by Step
- 8–12 weeks out: estimate and dateGet a video or in-home survey and a written estimate. A binding estimate locks your price to the listed inventory. Off-peak months, January, February, October and November, can save up to 35%.
- 6 weeks out: decide what goesTexas homes are often bigger, so some families bring more furniture rather than less. Measure the new floor plan before you decide.
- 4 weeks out: access at both endsBook elevators, HOA windows and parking in California, and check HOA rules at the Texas address. Many newer Texas subdivisions have them.
- Moving week: heat precautionsIf you arrive in summer, plan an early-morning delivery and keep candles, vinyl, medications and electronics in your air-conditioned car.
Your First Months as a Texas Resident
- Register your vehicle and switch your driver's license within Texas deadlines, which are short for new residents
- File a homestead exemption with your county appraisal district once you own your home
- Choose an electricity provider if you live in a deregulated area like Dallas or Houston
- Update your voter registration with your new county
- Check whether you owe a part-year California tax return for the year you move
For the full state overview, see moving from California to Texas. Abwini Transportation Services is a direct interstate carrier, CMA Level 3 certified by the Certified Mover Association, with open and enclosed auto transport available alongside your household move.
How long does a move from California to Texas take?
Transit usually runs 5 to 12 business days depending on the Texas city, with 7 to 14 business days door to door being typical.
Does Texas really have no income tax?
Texas has no state personal income tax. Property taxes are higher than in California, so compare total housing costs, not just tax rates.
When is the cheapest time to move to Texas?
January, February, October and November usually bring the lowest rates, with savings of up to 35% versus peak summer.
Can you move my car to Texas too?
Yes. Open and enclosed auto transport can be scheduled with your household move.
How does Texas heat affect my move?
Summer deliveries are best scheduled early in the day. Heat-sensitive items should ride with you rather than in the truck.