Factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Houston
What to know before moving from Columbus to Houston
Moving from Columbus to Houston means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Columbus than in Houston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Columbus compares to Houston so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Columbus | Houston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,441 | $1,549 |
Average home value | $238,832 | $263,945 |
Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $69,833 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,784 | $2,770 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,249 | $7,157 |
Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 4.1% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 3.5% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Houston are 8% higher than in Columbus, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
Home prices in Houston are 10.5% higher than in Columbus. - Income in Houston is 7.3% higher than in Columbus, 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.
- The cost of living for a single person is the same in Houston and Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Houston is 1.3% lower than in Columbus.
- The unemployment rate in Houston is 28.07% lower than in Columbus.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the cityโs sales taxes in Houston are 10.00% higher than in Columbus.
- One perk of moving to Houston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Columbus.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,984.91 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Houston
Houston | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,301,572 | 905,748 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 5 |
Walkability score | 47 | 41 |
Bike friendliness score | 49 | 48 |
Crime Index | 63.5 | 49.65 |
Safety Index | 36.5 | 50.35 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Houston's population is about 154% greater than Columbus.
- Houston's public transportation has a similar score to Columbus.
- Houston is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Columbus's 41 out of 100.
- Both Houston and Columbus have the same bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, meaning Houston is about as safe for cyclists as Columbus. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Houston's crime rate is higher than Columbus with a score of 63.5 compared to Columbus's 49.65. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Columbus with a score of 36.5 vs Columbus's 50.35.
- Air quality in Houston is good, and in Columbus it's good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Texas, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toHouston Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Houston
Now that youโve chosen "HOU" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Houston to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
After settling into your new Texas home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Houston has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Houston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Childrenโs Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Holocaust Museum Houston.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB, Houston Dash (NWSL), or Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Houston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Columbus to Houston. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Houston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbus to Houston, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Columbus to Houston take?
The 1,156-mile journey from Columbus, OH to Houston, TX typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Columbus offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Houston.