Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Houston to Ontario move
What to know before moving from Houston to Ontario
Moving from Houston to Ontario means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Houston than in Ontario, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Houston compares to Ontario so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Houston | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,549 | $2,619 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $668,089 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $71,908 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $5,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Ontario are 69% higher than in Houston, 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 Houston.
Home prices in Ontario are 153.1% higher than in Houston. - Income in Ontario is 3.0% higher than in Houston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Ontario include Prime Healthcare, Niagara Bottling, and Gold Star Foods.
- The cost of living for a single person in Ontario is 10.7% lower than in Houston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Ontario is 19.1% lower than in Houston.
- The unemployment rate in Ontario is 68.29% higher than in Houston.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Ontario, since the cityโs sales taxes in Ontario are 6.06% higher than in Houston.
- State income taxes in Ontario are 13.30% higher than in Houston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,678.34 in Ontario to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.
How life is different in Houston vs. Ontario
| Ontario | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 175,265 | 2,301,572 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 49 |
| Crime Index | 50.25 | 63.5 |
| Safety Index | 49.75 | 36.5 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Ontario might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 92% less than Houston.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Ontario will be about the same as it currently is in Houston. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Youโll find Ontario to be about as walkable as Houston. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 48 and 47 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- Ontario and Houston are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 46 and 49 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- Ontario has a lower crime rate than Houston based on scores of 50.25 and Houston's 63.5, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Ontario than in Houston, based on Ontarioโs safety index of 49.75 versus 36.5 for Houston. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Ontario and Houston is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Houston vs. Ontario move
- Weather: Ontario with hot summers and mild winters.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While California doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Ontario without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection โ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Ontario
With your sights set on "", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Ontario.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Ontario
- Piemonte
- Ontario Ranch
- Rancho Cucamonga
- Upland
Best neighborhoods for families
- Creekside
- Parkview
- Ontario Ranch
- College Park
- Downtown Ontario
Things to do in Ontario
Once youโre settled into your new home in California, itโs time to get out and discover what Ontario has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Ontario features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of History and Art, Ontario.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Ontario?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Houston to Ontario are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Houston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Ontario?
With many people choosing to move from Houston to Ontario in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Houston to Ontario take?
Moving from Houston, TX to Ontario, CA covers 1,511 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Houston movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Ontario.
