Things to know before moving from New York to Houston, TX

Cost of living: New York vs Houston, TX

New York Houston
Average rent cost $1,507 $1,549
Average home value $482,742 $263,945
Average income (per capita) $81,386 $69,833
Unemployment rate 4% 4%
State income tax 11% 0%
  • Rent is about 3% more expensive in Houston than in New York.
  • Home prices are about 45% lower in Houston than in New York.
  • The average income is about 14% lower in Houston than in New York.
  • Houston has a lower unemployment rate than New York by about 7%.
  • Income taxes are 100% lower in Houston than in New York.

How life is different in Houston from New York

Houston New York
Population 2,301,572 19,571,216
Political leaning Republican 56-42 Democratic 60-40
Summer high 94ºF 81ºF
Winter low 43ºF 16ºF
Annual rain 53" 44"
Annual snow 0" 62"
Crime index 63.5 21.51
  • The population of Houston is approximately 88% lower than the population of New York.
  • In the last presidential election, Houston voted Republican and New York voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Houston is 94ºF and in New York, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Houston reaches the temperature of 43ºF and New York gets down to 16ºF.
  • You can expect about 53 inches of annual rainfall in Houston vs 44 inches of rainfall in New York.
  • In Houston, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 62 inches of snow in New York.
  • Houston has a higher crime rate than New York with a crime index of 63.5 vs 21.51.

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 Houstontoggle

  • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
  • Children’s Museum of Houston
  • The Menil Collection
  • Houston Museum of Natural Science
  • Holocaust Museum Houston
  • Houston Museum of African American Culture
  • The Health Museum
  • Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
  • Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
  • Czech Center Museum Houston

Parks in Houstontoggle

  • Hermann Park
  • Terry Hershey Park
  • Lake Houston Park
  • Memorial Park
  • Tranquility Park
  • Sesquicentennial Park
  • Discovery Green
  • Buffalo Bayou Park
  • Sam Houston Park

Sports Teams in Houstontoggle

  • Houston Texans (NFL)
  • Houston Astros (MLB
  • Houston Dash (NWSL)
  • Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
  • Houston Rockets (NBA)
  • Houston SaberCats (MLR)

Universities in Houstontoggle

  • Houston Community College
  • San Jacinto College
  • University of Houston
  • University of Houston - Downtown
  • Texas Southern University
  • University of Houston - Clear Lake Public
  • Rice University
  • The University of Texas
  • University of St. Thomas
  • Houston Baptist University
  • Remington College - North Houston Campus
  • Remington College
  • College of Biblical Studies

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 New York vs. Houston, TX

Comparing the pros of New York 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 New York vs Houston side-by-side.

Pros of living in New York Pros of living in Houston, TX
Natural beauty Bountiful arts and recreational activities
Arts Ample economic opportunity
Ample economic opportunity Delicious seafood
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities Diversity
Distinct seasons Affordable housing

Comparing the cons of living in New York vs. Houston, TX:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving New York for Houston.

Cons of living in New York Cons of living in Houston, TX
High tax burden Tropical storms
Rough winter weather Heat and humidity
High cost of living Terrible traffic
Poor quality healthcare Limited public transportation
Populous High crime rate

FAQ

How long does a move from New York to Houston take?

The time frame for a move from New York 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 New York, 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 New York 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 New York to Houston?

Because of the 1628-mile move, it’s best to book your move from New York 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 New York 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.

Helpful moving resources