($1,564) Movers From Ann Arbor, MI to Houston, TX

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Houston

Moving from Ann Arbor to Houston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Houston is generally more expensive than Ann Arbor, 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 32% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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 44.4% lower than in Ann Arbor.
• Income in Houston is 4.3% higher than in Ann Arbor, 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 27.3% higher than in Ann Arbor. 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 33.9% higher than in Ann Arbor.
• The unemployment rate in Houston is 17.14% higher than in Ann Arbor.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the city’s sales taxes in Houston are 37.50% higher than in Ann Arbor.
• One perk of moving to Houston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Ann Arbor.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,818.93 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.

How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Houston

• Houston's population is about 1,758% greater than Ann Arbor.
• Houston's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's higher score of 7.
• Houston is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 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 Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
• Houston's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 63.5 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
• Houston is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 36.5 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
• Air quality in Houston is good, and in Ann Arbor it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor 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