Best California to Texas Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from California to Texas and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,412 mile CA to TX move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 502 California to Texas moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $7,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California compared to Texas. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best California to Texas Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery9.729.49Authorized For HHGContact
2OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
3Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHGContact
4Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.9.639.59Authorized For HHGContact
5New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC9.569.71Authorized For HHGContact
6Best California Movers9.529.73Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from California to Texas

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,412 miles from California to Texas will cost on average $2,982 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to TX move is roughly $7,179. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in California and dropoff in Texas as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve California to Texas movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,003300 ft³6.68
1 Bedroom$2,982450 ft³6.63
2 Bedrooms$4,932750 ft³6.58
3 Bedrooms$7,1791100 ft³6.53
4 Bedrooms$10,3631600 ft³6.48
5+ Bedrooms$11,5681800 ft³6.43
*Please note: These California to Texas moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Texas. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to TX mover.
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Compare the 6 Best CA to TX Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery Logo

Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.72/10
based on 2,440+ data points

1327 Chemical St

Dallas, TX, 75207

About Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery

Started as a courier service in 1999, Phoenix Express eventually expanded its service offerings, becoming the full-service moving and delivery company...

Services

  • Full service moving
  • In-Dallas moves
  • In-Texas moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2857394 / 67516

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved110,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

1450 2nd St ste 225

Santa Monica, CA, 90401

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. Logo

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,645+ data points

Chico, CA, 95973

About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving...

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3421940 / 1416634

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2024)
View Full Review
4
New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC Logo

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC

Exceptional9.56/10
based on 2,238+ data points

4310 FM482 ste c

New Braunfels, TX, 78132

About New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC was established in 2014, after its founder and owner had acquired over 15 years of experience...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Statewide Moving
  • Business Relocation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2992735 / 1117672

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans0
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved35,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Best California Movers Logo

Best California Movers

Exceptional9.52/10
based on 3,003+ data points

Glendale, CA, 91206

About Best California Movers

Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Texas

Moving from California to Texas is a significant life change that deserves a thorough review of its ups and downs. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation , highlighting the contrasts between living in California and Texas to equip you with the information needed for an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High taxes
  • Cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Stringent regulations
Texas iconTexas
  • Lower taxes
  • Affordable housing
  • Spacious highways
  • Laxer regulations
Texas iconTexas
  • Hot summers
  • Less diversity in cities
  • No beaches
  • Fewer tech jobs
California iconCalifornia
  • Mild climate
  • Vibrant cities
  • Beaches
  • Tech hubs

California offers a unique blend of natural beauty and economic opportunity. The state's beaches, like those in Malibu and Santa Monica, are iconic for their stunning beauty and vibrant local culture. Cities like San Francisco and Silicon Valley are bustling tech hubs, attracting talent from around the globe. In contrast, Texas, with its affordable housing, is home to booming cities like Austin and Dallas, which are rapidly growing in cultural and economic significance. Places such as Zilker Park in Austin and the San Antonio River Walk highlight Texas' commitment to combining urban liveability with natural beauty. While Texas may have hot summers, its residents enjoy spacious suburbs and a wide variety of dining and entertainment options, like those found in Houston's Montrose neighborhood or the Bishop Arts District in Dallas. These areas offer a rich tapestry of restaurants, such as Uchi in Austin for innovative Japanese dishes or Perry’s Steakhouse in Dallas for classic American steakhouse experiences.

California vs. Texas Food Guide

When relocating, it's crucial to understand the local culture—and food plays a significant role in that. To help with your move, we're presenting a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Texas. This guide will give you a taste of what to expect from the food scene in these diverse states.

CaliforniaTexas
Most iconic local food itemSushiTexas BBQ brisket
Most popular meat dishTrip-tip steakSmoked brisket
Most popular street food itemFish tacosBreakfast tacos
Most popular vegan foodAcai bowlsVegan Tex-Mex
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • Inotheke
  • n/naka
  • Franklin Barbecue
  • Killen's Barbecue
  • Underbelly
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In California, the food scene is as diverse as its landscape. From the sushi bars of Los Angeles to the innovatively healthy acai bowls that dot the coastline, there's something for every palate. Places like Chez Panisse in Berkeley and Inotheke in Santa Monica highlight the emphasis on fresh, farm-to-table dining. Texas, on the other hand, is a haven for meat lovers. The state is famous for its Texas BBQ brisket, with establishments like Franklin Barbecue in Austin being a must-visit for any barbecue enthusiast. Both states have vibrant foodie scenes, but the experience of dining in each is distinctively unique, shaped by local tastes and traditions.

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California vs. Texas Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly impacts your relocation process, emphasizing the importance of comparing California and Texas housing characteristics. This comparison includes cost, style, and lifestyle rankings to inform your decision.

ComparisonCaliforniaTexas
Typical Architecture StyleModern, SpanishRanch, Colonial
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to the ocean, Eco-friendly featuresSpacious land, Energy efficiency

When comparing the two states, it's evident that California leans towards a more expensive living cost, especially in housing prices and rent. The architecture in California often features modern and Spanish styles, reflective of its historical and cultural influences, while Texas homes frequently showcase Ranch and Colonial designs, emphasizing spaciousness and traditional values. Urban lifestyle scores higher in California, underscoring its vibrant city life and higher walkability and bikeability compared to Texas. However, Texas highlights the value of spacious land and energy efficiency in its listings, aiming for practicality and sustainability. Each state offers a unique living experience, molding your lifestyle around its distinct characteristics.

California vs. Texas Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one state to another, understanding the differences in climate is crucial. This comparison highlights how the weather between California and Texas will impact your lifestyle and prepare you for the change.

Summer icon
85°F / 55°F

California

95°F / 72°F

Texas

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F / 40°F

California

65°F / 42°F

Texas

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
22

California

34

Texas

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0 - 105 (varies greatly by region)

California

1 - 2 (mostly north)

Texas

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCaliforniaTexas
Air QualityVariable, often moderateVariable, ranges from good to moderate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Although both California and Texas are known for their warm climates, Texas experiences hotter summers and a higher average annual humidity, making the Texas heat feel more intense. On the other hand, California's coastal areas provide milder summers and cooler winters. Notably, natural disaster risks differ significantly; Californians might be used to preparing for earthquakes and wildfires, whereas Texans should be more vigilant about hurricanes and tornadoes. These environmental factors play a substantial role in daily life and should influence your preparation for moving between these two diverse states.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Texas

When planning a move from one state to another, understanding the financial landscape is crucial. Moving from California to Texas presents a significant shift in terms of cost of living, taxes, and overall economic environment. This comparison aims to illuminate these differences to help you make an informed decision.

ComparisonCaliforniaTexas
Avg. Household Income$91,551$72,284
Cost of Living Index136.491.1
State Income TaxUp to 13.3%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.77%1.81%
Avg. Sales Tax8.56%8.19%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, EntertainmentEnergy, Technology, Agriculture
AffluenceHighVaried
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessHighLower

While California boasts a higher average household income, the overall cost of living and state income tax greatly exceeds that of Texas, making Texas more financially attractive for many. The lack of state income tax in Texas presents a considerable advantage, particularly for high earners and retirees. However, it's essential to note Texas's higher property taxes, which may offset some of the income tax savings, especially in more affluent areas. The economic ecosystems also differ, with California's tech and entertainment sectors driving its economy, while Texas enjoys a diverse economy with significant energy, tech, and agricultural sectors. Understanding these nuances will help you prepare for your move financially.

California vs. Texas Political & Religious Comparison

Considering a move from California to Texas? An essential aspect of your relocation involves understanding the environments you're leaving and entering. This brief guide offers a comparison of the politics between California & Texas , highlighting the political, and religious landscape to give you a quick snapshot of the communities in your new state.

CaliforniaTexas
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticConservative/Republican
Local PoliticsModerate to liberal in urban areasConservative in rural areas, moderate to liberal in urban centers
ReligionMore secular, diverse religious communitiesMore religious, Christian majority (Protestant & Catholic)

When moving from California to Texas, you'll find the political landscape shifts from a predominantly liberal and Democratic base to a more conservative and Republican one. This doesn't mean Texas lacks diversity in political thought, particularly in urban centers like Austin and Houston, where you can find a mix of perspectives similar to California's cities. Religious life in Texas tends to have a more prominent role in community and public life, reflecting its larger Christian majority, which could be an essential consideration for your social and community integration.

Education Guide When Moving from California to Texas

Deciding to move from California to Texas or vice versa involves numerous considerations, with the quality of education being a crucial one. This comparison offers insight to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and Texas, facilitating an informed decision for your family's educational needs.

CaliforniaTexas

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

UCLA (Los Angeles)
UC Berkeley (Berkeley)
Stanford University (Stanford)
University of Texas at Austin (Austin)
Texas A&M University (College Station)
Rice University (Houston)

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Point Vicente Elementary School (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Ocean Air School (San Diego)
El Carmelo Elementary (Palo Alto)
Canyon Creek Elementary (Richardson)
Carver Elementary School (Georgetown)
Wellington Elementary (Flower Mound)

Top 3 Middle Schools

William Hopkins Junior High (Fremont)
Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School (Moraga)
Canyon Middle School (Canyon)
Coppell Middle School West (Coppell)
Eubanks Intermediate School (Southlake)
Fort Settlement Middle School (Sugar Land)

Top 3 High Schools

Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Torrey Pines High School (San Diego)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Liberal Arts and Science Academy (Austin)
School for the Talented and Gifted (Dallas)
Carnegie Vanguard High School (Houston)

Top 3 private high schools

The Thacher School (Ojai)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
Stanford Online High School (Stanford)
St. Mark's School of Texas (Dallas)
The Hockaday School (Dallas)
St. Stephen's Episcopal School (Austin)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)
The Bishop's School (La Jolla)
The Awty International School (Houston)
The John Cooper School (The Woodlands)
Greenhill School (Addison)

Top 3 School Districts

Palo Alto Unified School District (Palo Alto)
San Marino Unified School District (San Marino)
La Cañada Unified School District (La Cañada Flintridge)
Eanes Independent School District (Austin)
Carroll Independent School District (Southlake)
Coppell Independent School District (Coppell)

When comparing the educational landscape between California and Texas, it's evident that both states offer stellar opportunities for academic excellence across all levels. California’s high schools, such as Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto and Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, are renowned for their rigorous academic programs. Similarly, Texas boasts exceptional institutions like Liberal Arts and Science Academy in Austin and St. Mark's School of Texas in Dallas, providing top-notch education tailored to gifted students. Both states offer diverse educational paths with strong public and private school options, ensuring that regardless of your preference, you're poised to find a school that aligns with your family's educational priorities and needs.

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