Best overall value
Factors that influence moving costs from Los Angeles to Houston
The cost of Los Angeles movers will depend on:
- Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Los Angeles to Houston might cost as little as $1,487, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $10,666.
- Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Los Angeles, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
- DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,098 to $2,881. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.
What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Houston
Moving from Los Angeles to Houston means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Los Angeles than in Houston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Los Angeles compares to Houston so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Los Angeles | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,960 | $1,549 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,922 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,213 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Houston are 48% lower than in Los Angeles, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Houston.
Home prices in Houston are 88.9% lower than in Los Angeles. - Income in Houston is 6.9% lower than in Los Angeles, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Houston include H-E-B, Houston Methodist, and Memorial Hermann Health System.
- The cost of living for a single person in Houston is 29.4% lower than in Los Angeles. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Houston is 22.3% lower than in Los Angeles.
- The unemployment rate in Houston is 61.32% lower than in Los Angeles.
- You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the city’s sales taxes in Houston are 13.16% lower than in Los Angeles.
- One perk of moving to Houston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Los Angeles.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,118.82 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Houston
| Houston | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 3,820,914 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 69 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 59 |
| Crime Index | 63.5 | 53.81 |
| Safety Index | 36.5 | 46.19 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Houston's population is about 40% less than Los Angeles.
- Houston's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Los Angeles's higher score of 8.
- Houston is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
- Houston has a bike-friendliness score 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100.
- Houston's crime rate is higher than Los Angeles with a score of 63.5 compared to Los Angeles's 53.81. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Los Angeles with a score of 36.5 vs Los Angeles's 46.19.
- Air quality in Houston is good, and in Los Angeles it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles vs. Houston move
- Weather: Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Houston. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Houston
Now that you've decided to make the move to "HOU", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Houston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
Once you’re settled into your new home in Texas, it’s time to get out and discover what Houston has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Houston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Holocaust Museum Houston.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB, Houston Dash (NWSL), or Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Houston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Los Angeles to Houston. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Los Angeles.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Houston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Los Angeles to Houston, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Los Angeles to Houston take?
The 1,547-mile journey from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in Los Angeles offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Houston.
