($1,757) Movers From Portland, ME to Houston, TX

What to know before moving from Portland to Houston

Moving from Portland to Houston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Houston is generally more expensive than Portland, 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:

• Rent prices in Houston are 22% lower than in Portland, 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 51.3% lower than in Portland.
• Income in Houston is 8.8% higher than in Portland, 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.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Houston, since the cost of living for a single person in Houston is 11.2% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Houston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 18.1% higher than in Portland.
• The unemployment rate in Houston is 21.15% lower than in Portland.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the city’s sales taxes in Houston are 50.00% higher than in Portland.
• One perk of moving to Houston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,336.01 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Houston

• Houston's population is about 3,264% greater than Portland.
• Houston's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 6.
• Houston is less walkable than Portland with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 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 Portland, which has a score of 68 out of 100.
• Houston's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 63.5 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
• Houston is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 36.5 vs Portland's 67.84.
• Air quality in Houston is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Texas doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Houston. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Houston

Ready to relocate to "HOU"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Houston.

Helpful moving resources