Why are Californians moving to Texas?

For a long time, California was one of the best places to live in the country. Unfortunately, things have changed. Now, more and more people are leaving the Golden State. And one of their favorite destinations in the state of Texas. But why are so many Californians moving to Texas? In the following article, Best Long Distance Movers will try to find an answer to that question.

People are leaving California in great numbers

The coronavirus pandemic changed a lot when it comes to migration patterns. And it looks like California is one of the places that is seeing a greater number of outbound moves compared to the people that are moving to California. Unfortunately, California has changed a lot in the past decade. The weak leadership and poor governing turned this, once fabulous state, into a place that everyone is leaving.

Of course, high living costs are the main reason why so many people left California. But you can also factor in some of the most expensive real estate prices in the country, high crime rates, increased poverty, and homelessness, it is clear why so many people decided to leave.  But where are they going? According to some of the best long distance movers in California, they are moving all over the country. However, some states are more attractive than others.

Texas is one of the main destinations for Californians that are leaving the Golden State

Californians are moving across the country. However, according to long distance moving companies in Texas, the Lone Star State is their main destination. But what are the reasons for this? Texas offers a completely different feel and the change of lifestyle will be much bigger than, when Californians are relocating  to Florida, for example. Let’s, therefore, take a look at why is Texas so interesting for Californians.

Cost of living

As you probably know, California is among the most expensive states to live in. And the cost of living has been the main driving force when it comes to long-distance relocations for decades now. When we compare Texas and California, for example, we can see that living in Texas is 21.1% cheaper than living in California. That is a staggering difference. Especially in the times of economic challenges that are making everyday life more difficult to bear. When we compare the two states and the cost of living we see that food in restaurants is 14.3% more expensive in California.

For example, in Texas, for a basic meal with a drink at an inexpensive restaurant, you will pay around $12.27. In California, the same thing will cost you $15.21. Groceries are 17.8% cheaper in Texas. And you will pay 23.4% less for transportation.  Of course, those are the stats that show the overall view of the states. And every place offers different prices. For example, the cost of living in Los Angeles is definitely higher than in Eureka.

Real estate prices

When we look at real estate prices and overall housing costs, we again see one of the main reasons why Californians are moving to Texas. California has the most expensive median home value, while Texas is on a completely different end of the scale. The median home value in California is $758,360. On the other hand, the median home value in Texas is almost three times lower – $289,252. In theory, this means that you can sell a house in California and buy three houses in Texas, or at least increase your living space three times. And you do not have to sell or buy properties to feel the difference in costs.

The median rent in California is $1,503, while in Texas, your will need to pay $1,045 on average. Of course, corruption is the main reason for this. California is building a large number of public housing, which constructors, with the help of politicians, used to inflate the prices. That is why we have such high real estate prices in California, and so many Californians moving to Texas. On the other hand, some of the best US cities for renters are located in Texas. Therefore, it is easy to see why so many people are taking this route.

Differences in housing costs

Real estate prices and rents are just some of the factors that affect the cost of living. The difference between California and Texas is even greater when we compare utility costs. So, for example, in California, for utilities for a 1-bedroom apartment in the downtown area, you will have to pay around $1,859.59. On the other hand, the cost of utilities (including electric, gas, water, heating) 1-bedroom apartment in the downtown area in one of the Texas cities, is $1,009.85. That is a -45.7% difference.

For one-bedroom apartments outside of the city center, the difference is even bigger – -48.8%. Of course, the difference in housing costs can be even greater when Californians are moving to Texas and they are coming from LA, for example, and moving to some popular smaller cities. That is when the difference in cost really goes up.

Transportation costs

We cannot say that Californians are moving to Texas because of the difference in transportation costs. But if that was something that was important to you, you would be moving to Texas because of this as well. Currently, gasoline price in California is $5.73, while in Texas it is $3.78. Incredible difference. Of course, you do not have to be driving your own vehicle to feel the difference in the transportation costs.

A monthly transit pass in California costs around $67.11. In Texas, a monthly transit pass is $45.92. That is a 31.6% difference. And when we take a look at how much it costs to move 1000 miles, and compare that to the difference in the gas prices, we see why so many Californians are moving to Texas these days.

Childcare issues

The unemployment rate is also one of the reasons why so many Californians are relocating to Texas. A recent survey showed that over 80% of women that are not employed are unemployed because of the lack of proper childcare. They cannot find anyone to take care of their children, or they simply cannot afford the proper care. That is maybe why California is among the states with the highest unemployment rates, while Texas is among the best states in this particular category.

Because, when we take a look at the difference in childcare costs, it is understandable why this is happening. In California, for childcare, you will have to pay  32.7% more than in Texas.  For example, a private preschool for 1 child, will cost you monthly $1,100.35 in California. In Texas, the same things cost $745.43. That is a -32.3% difference and ultimately the thing that makes many people move out of state for the first time in their lives.

Cost of clothing

Even though both states have great weather and outdoor conditions, the cost of clothing is also one of the factors that may be decisive when it comes to moving. Moreover, since the climate is similar, you do not have to particularly prepare for moving to another climate, like when you are moving from LA to NYC, for example. Still, the cost of basic clothing is much higher in California – exactly 11.0% higher. So, for a pair of regular Levi’s brand jeans in California, you will pay $46.43.

The same pair of jeans will cost you $40.98 in Texas. A regular dress in H&M, for example, will cost you $38.84 in California, while the same dress costs $34.18 in Texas. A pair of Nike or Adidas running shoes is around $77.14 in the Golden State, while the same shoes will cost you around $70.86 in Texas.

Differences in income taxes

One of the biggest differences between California and Texas is in income taxes. Or, more precisely, the lack of it. If you are living in California, you probably know that this state has the highest income taxes in the country – 13.30%. On the other hand, Texas is one of the states with no income tax, which is an incredible difference. Of course, California has a higher median household income that can somewhat compensate for the difference in Taxes. That is why if you are moving from California to Texas because of taxes, make sure that you are earning the same amount as in California. Or you will not feel the difference if you just replace your California salary with a salary from Texas.

Safety issues

Besides obvious economic reasons, there are other reasons why Californians are moving to Texas. And safety is one of the major issues. Unfortunately, California is currently experiencing a large increase in crime rates. The state also has loose regulations regarding camping on public land, which is drawing homeless people from all over the country. The high number of homeless people means higher crime rates and overall insecurity.

Small businesses are also suffering because of so many homeless people so the business owners that are tired of boarding their widows shut every night are also moving out of California. Sadly, the cities of California are becoming less and less safe. And Taxes is one of the states that is taking advantage of that situation.

Politics

Politics is also one of the reasons why so many Californians are moving to Texas. California is traditionally known as a Democrat state. While Republicans had more luck in Texas in the past. However, no matter how much we think about Texas as a red state, the truth is that the difference between the two parties is not near as big as in California. Republicans will not have success in the Golden State any time soon.

On the other hand, things are much tighter in Texas. And if you are a democrat moving from California, you can hope that, if enough of you move to the Lone Star State, you could make a difference and turn this traditionally red state into a blue one.

Coronavirus pandemic

One of the reasons why Californians are relocating to Texas in great numbers also has something to do with the recent pandemic. If you spent the last two years in California, then you probably already know that the state had some of the strictest regulations regarding vaccination, masking, and social distancing. And no matter how much you are ready to comply and follow the rules, after a while these regulations will take a toll.

On the other hand, Texas had somewhat looser regulations, which allowed its citizens to go through the toughest time during pandemic much more easily. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like these regulations will be lifted anytime soon. That is why so many people state covid regulations as one of the main reasons for moving.

If you are one of the Californians moving to Texas, make sure that you prepare right and do your research

If you are one of the Californians moving to Texas, it is good to know that every city has different conditions when it comes to housing, real estate prices, cost of living, safety, etc. Therefore it is very important to do thorough research before calling for movers and moving your home across 1,500 miles.  Once you find a perfect home in Texas, you also need to make sure that you organize the moving process properly. And for that, you will need to make a good plan and find a reliable moving company to help you. Hopefully, you will find a perfect home in Texas and manage to organize the whole move in a smooth and carefree manner.  Because if you don’t, it will cost you. And lowering your expenses is one of the reasons why you decide on this move.