($1,383) Movers From Chicago, IL to Houston, TX

What to know before moving from Chicago to Houston

Moving from Chicago to Houston means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Houston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Chicago compares to Houston so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Houston are 24% lower than in Chicago, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Houston.
  Home prices in Houston are 10.8% lower than in Chicago.
• Income in Houston is 2.4% lower than in Chicago, 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 24.1% lower than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Houston is 22.8% lower than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Houston is 54.44% lower than in Chicago.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the city’s sales taxes in Houston are 19.51% lower than in Chicago.
• One perk of moving to Houston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,277.96 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Houston

• Houston's population is about 16% less than Chicago.
• Houston's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
• Houston is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 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 Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
• Houston's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 63.5 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Houston and Chicago are considered to be equally safe.
• Air quality in Houston is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago 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.

Helpful moving resources