Factors that influence moving costs from Oklahoma City to Houston
What to know before moving from Oklahoma City to Houston
Moving from Oklahoma City to Houston comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Houston is generally more expensive than Oklahoma City, itโs 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:
Oklahoma City | Houston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,249 | $1,549 |
Average home value | $195,949 | $263,945 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,251 | $69,833 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,150 | $2,770 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,520 | $7,157 |
Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 4.1% |
Sales tax | 8.63% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 4.75% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Houston are 24% higher than in Oklahoma City, 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 Oklahoma City.
Home prices in Houston are 34.7% higher than in Oklahoma City. - Income in Houston is 8.7% higher than in Oklahoma City, 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 28.8% higher than in Oklahoma City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Houston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 9.8% higher than in Oklahoma City.
- The unemployment rate in Houston is 6.82% lower than in Oklahoma City.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the cityโs sales taxes in Houston are 4.40% lower than in Oklahoma City.
- One perk of moving to Houston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Oklahoma City.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,865.12 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oklahoma City.
How life is different in Oklahoma City vs. Houston
Houston | Oklahoma City | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,301,572 | 681,054 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
Walkability score | 47 | 73 |
Bike friendliness score | 49 | 74 |
Crime Index | 63.5 | 49.37 |
Safety Index | 36.5 | 50.63 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Houston's population is about 238% greater than Oklahoma City.
- Houston's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Oklahoma City's lower score of 3.
- Houston is less walkable than Oklahoma City with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Oklahoma City's 73 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 Oklahoma City, which has a score of 74 out of 100.
- Houston's crime rate is higher than Oklahoma City with a score of 63.5 compared to Oklahoma City's 49.37. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oklahoma City neighborhoods are safer than 49.37%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Oklahoma City with a score of 36.5 vs Oklahoma City's 50.63.
- Air quality in Houston is good, and in Oklahoma City it's good.
Other things to consider for your Oklahoma City 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
Now that you've made the move to Texas, itโs the perfect time to explore Houston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Houston, such as 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 along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Oklahoma City to Houston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Oklahoma City to Houston. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Oklahoma City.
When is the cheapest time to move from Oklahoma City to Houston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City to Houston take?
The 445-mile journey from Oklahoma City, OK to Houston, TX typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Oklahoma City 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.