Best overall value
Local moving companies in Houston
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Alternate Names: Square Cow Movers, Square Cow Moovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Key factors that impact the cost of your Houston to Irvine move
What to know before moving from Houston to Irvine
Moving from Houston to Irvine comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Irvine is generally more expensive than Houston, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Houston | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,549 | $4,000 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $1,561,760 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $114,027 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $9,167 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $18,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Irvine, since prices are typically 158% higher than in Houston.
- The home prices in Irvine are 491.7% higher than in Houston, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You’re likely to make a higher income living in Irvine, where incomes are, on average, 63.3% higher than in Houston. Major employers in Irvine include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Taco Bell, and Alorica.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Irvine, since the cost of living for a single person in Irvine is 230.9% higher than in Houston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Irvine, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Irvine is 151.5% higher than in Houston.
- The unemployment rate in Irvine is 31.71% higher than in Houston.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Irvine, since the city's sales taxes in Irvine are 6.06% lower than in Houston.
- State income taxes in Irvine are 13.30% higher than in Houston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $9,928.16 in Irvine to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.
How life is different in Houston vs. Irvine
| Irvine | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 2,301,572 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 49 |
| Crime Index | 31.01 | 63.5 |
| Safety Index | 68.99 | 36.5 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Irvine's population is about 87% less than Houston.
- Irvine's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Houston's higher score of 5.
- Irvine is less walkable than Houston with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 out of 100.
- With a score of 69 out of 100, Irvine is more bike-friendly than Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Irvine's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 31.01 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Irvine is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 68.99 vs Houston's 36.5.
- Air quality in Irvine is good, and in Houston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Houston vs. Irvine move
- Weather: Winters are mild, with most winters having no frost, and can be hot and dry. Late summer and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with occasional bouts of humid weather
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Irvine Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Irvine
With your sights set on , these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Irvine.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Westpark
- Westpark II
- Oak Creek
- Woodbridge
- University Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Westpark II
- Turtle Rock
- Woodbridge
- South Irvine
- Northwood Point
Things to do in Irvine
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Irvine is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Irvine, such as the Pretend City Children's Museum, Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art, and Museum of Woman.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Orange County Great Park, Adventure Playground, William R. Mason Regional Park, and Turtle Rock Community Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an UC Irvine Anteaters (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo), Adult Basketball Leagues, Adult Soccer Leagues, or Adult Softball Leagues game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Irvine?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Houston to Irvine You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Irvine?
Because spring and fall moves from Houston to Irvine are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Houston to Irvine take?
The 1,532-mile journey from Houston, TX to Irvine, CA, typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in Houston offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Irvine.
