Moving to Houston, TX

Thinking about moving to Houston, TX? Here's the practical picture: the cost of living runs at an index of 96 (100 is the national average), a typical two-bedroom rents for about $1,600/month, summers average 80°F, and Texas has no state income tax. Below: cost of living, climate, utilities, the best time to move, and popular routes into Houston.

Cost of living
96
Typical 2BR rent
$1,600/mo
Avg summer high
80°F
Avg winter low
61°F

Cost of living in Houston

Houston's cost-of-living index is 96 against a national baseline of 100, and a two-bedroom rental averages roughly $1,600 per month. Texas levies a top income tax rate of 0% and an average combined sales tax of 8.2%. Build your first-year budget around these figures, not just the cost of the move.

Climate and best time to move

Expect average summer highs near 80°F, winter lows around 61°F, and about 49.8 inches of precipitation a year in Houston. Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher. This metro sees heavy annual precipitation — target a drier stretch to protect boxes and floors.

Setting up utilities in Houston

Line up your utilities before move day. In the Houston–The Woodlands area that typically means CenterPoint Energy, CenterPoint Gas. Schedule electricity and gas to turn on the day before you arrive so you never walk into a dark home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Houston expensive to live in?
Houston has a cost-of-living index of 96 (100 = US average), with typical 2BR rent around $1,600/month.
What's the weather like in Houston?
Summer highs average 80°F, winter lows about 61°F, with roughly 49.8 inches of annual precipitation.
When is the best time to move to Houston?
Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher.

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Sources

  • MERIC / BestPlaces metro cost index, 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • Zillow Observed Rent Index (metro), 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • Tax Foundation, 2025 State Tax Data — retrieved 2026-01-15