Factors that influence moving costs from Orlando to Houston
What to know before moving from Orlando to Houston
Moving from Orlando to Houston means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Orlando than in Houston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Orlando compares to Houston so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Orlando | Houston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,943 | $1,549 |
Average home value | $377,005 | $263,945 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,968 | $69,833 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,877 | $2,770 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,012 | $7,157 |
Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 4.1% |
Sales tax | 6.5% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Houston are 20% lower than in Orlando, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Houston.
Home prices in Houston are 30.0% lower than in Orlando. - Income in Houston is 18.4% higher than in Orlando, so you could earn more 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 3.7% lower than in Orlando. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Houston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 2.1% higher than in Orlando.
- The unemployment rate in Houston is 29.31% lower than in Orlando.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the cityโs sales taxes in Houston are 26.92% higher than in Orlando.
- State income taxes are the same in Houston and Orlando.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,888.43 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Orlando.
How life is different in Orlando vs. Houston
Houston | Orlando | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,301,572 | 307,573 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
Walkability score | 47 | 41 |
Bike friendliness score | 49 | 57 |
Crime Index | 63.5 | 49.57 |
Safety Index | 36.5 | 50.43 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Houston's population is about 648% greater than Orlando.
- Houston's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Orlando's higher score of 6.
- Houston is more walkable than Orlando with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Orlando's 41 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 Orlando, which has a score of 57 out of 100.
- Houston's crime rate is higher than Orlando with a score of 63.5 compared to Orlando's 49.57. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Orlando neighborhoods are safer than 49.57%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Orlando with a score of 36.5 vs Orlando's 50.43.
- Air quality in Houston is good, and in Orlando it's good.
Other things to consider for your Orlando 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
Now that you've made the move to Texas, itโs the perfect time to explore Houston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Houston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Childrenโs Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Holocaust Museum Houston.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park โ 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 Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB, Houston Dash (NWSL), or Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Orlando to Houston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Orlando to Houston. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Orlando.
When is the cheapest time to move from Orlando to Houston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Orlando 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 Orlando to Houston take?
The 963-mile journey from Orlando, FL to Houston, TX typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Orlando 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.