Moving to Texas: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
8 min read

Considering a move to Texas? You’re in good company. The Lone Star State draws people in with its energetic cities like Houston and peaceful small towns, offering a lifestyle that suits just about anyone.

Texas has a lot going for it, but before you commit to buying a home and moving, it’s wise to consider both the pros and cons.

We’ll cover everything you should know about moving to Texas so you can decide if it’s the place for you.

Jump to the Texas information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to TX
Top car shippers to TX
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Texas

While relocating to Texas offers plenty of advantages, it also brings a few challenges you’ll need to consider.

Explore the key pros and cons of living in the Lone Star State to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.

Pros of living in Texas

✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Favorable climate
✓Delicious barbecue
✓Low taxes
✓Privacy and freedom

Cons of living in Texas

✖Severe weather
✖Limited healthcare access
✖High crime rate
✖Traffic issues
✖Politics

Things to do in Texas

No matter why you’re relocating to Texas—for a new job, to be closer to loved ones, or just for a change of scenery—you’ll discover a world of exciting opportunities as soon as you get here. With everything from popular hotspots to secret local treasures, Texas is packed with experiences that make every day an adventure.

If you’re heading out with the whole crew or going solo and eager to meet new people, these destinations deliver. With so many options, you’ll easily find a spot that matches your energy and makes you feel right at home.

Popular Attractions in Texas

The Alamo
San Antonio River Walk (Paseo del Rio)
Texas State Capitol
Dallas World Aquarium
Padre Island National Seashore
Space Center Houston
Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels
Big Bend National Park
Moody Gardens and Aquarium, Galveston Island
Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District

Museums in Texas

The Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Waco Mammoth National Monument
USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
National Museum of the Pacific War
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
The Buddy Holly Center
Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum
The Alamo
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Parks in Texas

Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale
Big Bend National Park, far West Texas
Big Thicket National Preserve, near Beaumont
Enchanted Rock State Park, near Fredericksburg
Garner State Park, Concan
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Flat
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Johnson City and Stonewall
Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon
Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, near Comstock

Fun facts about Texas

Each state has its own distinct personality, shaped by its history, culture, and people. Embracing local customs and unique quirks is the key to fully enjoying life in a new area.

Uncovering these fun facts about Texas shows what makes the state unique—and could even spark your next move.

More wool comes from the state of Texas than any other state in the United States.
Edwards Plateau in west central Texas is the top sheep growing area in the country.
Texas is the only state to enter the United States by treaty instead of territorial annexation.
The state was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845.
Texas boasts the nation’s largest herd of whitetail deer.
A coastal live oak located near Fulton is the oldest tree in the state. The tree has an estimated age of more than 1,500 years.

Texas population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to Texas, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Lone Star State.

A more densely populated state, for instance, might offer more job opportunities, entertainment, and infrastructure, while a smaller population could suggest a quieter lifestyle with tight-knit communities.

Average education levels reflect workforce opportunities or access to local schools and colleges, and political breakdowns could hint at a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in Texas, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric	Texas
Population	30,503,301
Female	50.1%
Male	49.9%
College graduation rate	33.12%
Political leaning	Republican 56-44
Crime index	27.32

Texas weather

Weather has a big impact on daily life, so it’s worth thinking about when deciding if Texas is a good fit for you. Checking the typical highs, lows, and precipitation for each season can give you a sense of how much outdoor time you’ll have, what weather you’ll need to prepare for, and how you’ll handle temperature swings.

Hot summer days can drive up your energy bills and keep you glued to the AC, while chilly winters mean you’ll want to prep your closet—and your heating system. And when it comes to snow, you could be dealing with anything from light dustings to heavy storms that disrupt travel and your daily plans.

Whether you’re chasing sunshine, favor cooler weather, or want to skip the snow, understanding Texas’s climate can help you decide if it fits your lifestyle and comfort preferences.

Metric	Texas
Summer high	94ºF
Winter low	36ºF
Annual rain	36″
Annual snow	2″

Income and cost of living in Texas

Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and general living expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical and affordable life in Texas really is.

Knowing which industries drive the local economy can help you gauge job opportunities and stability in your field. Plus, since housing costs are likely to be a major factor in your decision to rent or buy, they’ll play a big role in your move.

The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re here to help you compare your current lifestyle with what Texas brings to the table, so you can make your move feeling confident and informed.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Manufacturing ($37.6 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($23.6 billion)
Professional and business services ($22 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($17.7 billion)
Retail trade ($15.3 billion)
Finance and insurance ($13.2 billion
Wholesale trade ($12.4 billion)
Construction ($7.8 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($7.2 billion)
Utilities ($6.5 billion)

Metric	Texas
Average rent cost	$1,251
Average home cost	$300,267
Average income (per capita)	$73,035
Cost of living index*	93
Unemployment rate	4.1%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	0.0%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Texas

If top-notch schools and universities are important to you, exploring a state’s education system can reveal a lot about its job market and local vibe.

If top-tier schools are important to you—whether you’re heading back to class yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want great education options—Texas deserves a spot at the top of your list.

Here are some of the top schools in Texas:

The University of Texas at Austin
Texas A&M University
Texas Tech University
University of Houston
The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Dallas
The University of North Texas
The University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Texas State University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Texas

We have reviewed 2,756 moving companies across the country—including 219 right here in Texas—and gathered real insights from movers and folks like you to spotlight the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Lone Star State? Take a look at the best moving companies that can deliver your belongings safely, no matter where you’re coming from.

Cost of moving to Texas

Before you take the leap to Texas, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $136 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Texas

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Texas.

Texas car insurance requirements

Every driver in Texas must have 30/60/25 liability insurance. However, this minimum coverage may not be enough for a moderately severe accident. This basic policy provides $30,000 for one person’s injuries, up to $60,000 for injuries per accident, and up to $25,000 for property damage.

Texas drivers license requirements

New residents must get a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Texas?

Moving to Texas is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Texas is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Texas?

On the cost of living index, Texas has a score of 93. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Texas?

The average income in TX is $73,035, and the an unemployment rate is 4.1. Home prices are $300,267, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,251.

What is the downside of living in Texas?

Like any place, Texas has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Lone Star State include:

Severe weather
Limited healthcare access
High crime rate
Traffic issues
Politics

Texas Moving Resources

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With over 400,000 people utilizing our website to help plan their moves, we have up to date, deep insight into the most popular places people are moving to and from right now.