($1,706) Movers From Olympia, WA to Houston, TX

What to know before moving from Olympia to Houston

Moving from Olympia to Houston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Houston is generally more expensive than Olympia, 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 18% lower than in Olympia, 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 48.1% lower than in Olympia.
• Income in Houston is 5.0% higher than in Olympia, 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 12.0% higher than in Olympia. 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 32.8% higher than in Olympia.
• The unemployment rate in Houston is 26.79% lower than in Olympia.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the city’s sales taxes in Houston are 12.23% lower than in Olympia.
• State income taxes are the same in Houston and Olympia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,360.29 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Olympia.

How life is different in Olympia vs. Houston

• Houston's population is about 4,039% greater than Olympia.
• Houston's public transportation has a similar score to Olympia.
• Houston is more walkable than Olympia with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Olympia's 39 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 Olympia, which has a score of 59 out of 100.
• Houston's crime rate is higher than Olympia with a score of 63.5 compared to Olympia's 27.95. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95%.
• Houston is considered to be less safe than Olympia with a score of 36.5 vs Olympia's 62.25.
• Air quality in Houston is good, and in Olympia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Olympia 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s 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: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Texas, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Texas doesn’t 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 Houston 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. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Houston

With your sights set on "HOU", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Houston.

Helpful moving resources