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Things to know before moving from Illinois to Houston, TX
Cost of living: Illinois vs Houston, TX
| Illinois | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,179 | $1,549 |
| Average home value | $249,224 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $69,833 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 4% |
| State income tax | 5% | 0% |
Houston sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 31% more expensive in Houston than in Illinois.
- Home prices are about 6% higher in Houston than in Illinois.
- The average income is about 11% lower in Houston than in Illinois.
- Houston has a lower unemployment rate than Illinois by about 23%.
- Income taxes are 100% lower in Houston than in Illinois.
How life is different in Houston from Illinois
| Houston | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 22" |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 19.7 |
Houston sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Houston is approximately 82% lower than the population of Illinois.
- In the last presidential election, Houston voted Republican and Illinois voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Houston is 94ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Houston reaches the temperature of 43ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
- You can expect about 53 inches of annual rainfall in Houston vs 40 inches of rainfall in Illinois.
- In Houston, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 22 inches of snow in Illinois.
- Houston has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 63.5 vs 19.7.
Things to do in Houston
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Houston.
Museums in Houston
Parks in Houston
Sports Teams in Houston
Universities in Houston
Other considerations when moving to Houston, TX
- 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- 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 on the state regulator's official website.
- 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 Texas. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Compare the pros and cons of Illinois vs. Houston, TX
Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Houston, TX:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Illinois vs Houston side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Illinois | Pros of living in Houston, TX |
|---|---|
| Home of Chicago | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
| Ample economic opportunity | Ample economic opportunity |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Delicious seafood |
| Delicious food | Diversity |
| World-class sports culture | Affordable housing |
Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Houston, TX:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Illinois for Houston.
| Cons of living in Illinois | Cons of living in Houston, TX |
|---|---|
| Harsh winter weather | Tropical storms |
| Bad traffic | Heat and humidity |
| High crime rate | Terrible traffic |
| Dull landscape | Limited public transportation |
| Strict laws | High crime rate |
FAQ
How long does a move from Illinois to Houston take?
The time frame for a move from Illinois to Houston, TX, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Illinois, the longer the drive time to Houston will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Houston from Illinois can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Illinois to Houston?
Because of the 941-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Illinois to Houston as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Houston, TX?
With the summer highs of 94ºF and the winter lows of 43ºF, most people move to Houston from Illinois during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Houston during summer or winter.
