Moving From California to Texas: What to Expect on the Road and on Arrival

The California to Texas route at a glance

California is the most populous state and Texas is second, and a steady stream of households moves from one to the other. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, California to Texas was one of the two largest state-to-state moving flows in 2022.

From Southern California, the main road is Interstate 10. It crosses the desert through Arizona and New Mexico, enters Texas at El Paso, and continues to San Antonio and Houston. Drivers headed for Dallas-Fort Worth branch off onto Interstate 20 in West Texas. From Northern California the trip is longer still.

Two things catch people off guard. The first is how empty the middle is, with long stretches between towns. The second is the size of Texas itself. It is the second-largest state by area, and reaching the state line at El Paso still leaves a full day or more of driving to the big cities. Dallas, Houston, and Austin are then a few hours from one another. If you have not chosen among them, read Dallas vs. Houston vs. Austin.

The best time of year to move from California to Texas

• Fall through spring is the comfortable window. The desert crossing is mild, and Texas has cooled off
• Summer is the busiest moving season and the hardest on people and cars. The desert is very hot, Dallas averages highs of 96°F in July, and Austin averages about 29 days a year at 100°F or more. It works with early starts and a serviced car
• Spring storms. Texas averages more tornadoes than any other state, most often in North Texas and the Panhandle from April through June. Park the car under cover when you arrive
• Hurricane season matters for Houston and the Gulf Coast. It runs from June 1 to November 30. See moving during hurricane season

If summer is your only choice, our guide to moving in summer heat will help.

How a long-distance move from California to Texas works

Here is what to expect when you compare California to Texas movers.

1. Inventory and quote. We go through what you are moving and give you a free long-distance moving quote. Allpoints quotes a flat rate based on distance, your inventory, and added services such as packing
2. Booking. Reserve 3 to 4 weeks ahead, and earlier for summer or end-of-month dates
3. Pickup. The crew wraps furniture, inventories every item, and loads. Tell us about hills, narrow streets, or building rules at your California address so the right truck arrives
4. Transit. Federal rules limit a truck driver to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off duty, and smaller shipments often share a trailer. That is why you receive a delivery window instead of a single day. Our delivery window guide explains how it is set
5. Delivery. The crew unloads, places furniture, and reassembles what was taken apart

Allpoints is family-owned and based in Metro Atlanta. We work as a contract carrier for one of the biggest van line moving companies in the country, which is what makes it possible, and affordable, to move customers from all over the country. Learn more about our long-distance moving service.

California vs. Texas taxes: what really changes

Taxes are the reason many people give for moving to Texas from California, so it pays to look at the whole picture.

The income tax difference is real. So is the other side of the ledger. Texas leans on sales tax and on local property taxes to pay for schools and services. Texas property taxes are set by counties, cities, school districts, and special districts, and the combined bill can be a surprise for people used to California. Look up the actual tax history of any house you are considering, and ask the county appraisal district about the homestead exemption.

In the year you move, expect to file a part-year resident return with California, which has its own rules for deciding when you stopped being a resident. This is general information, not tax advice. Talk with a CPA who works with both states, and see moving to a state with no income tax.

Texas driver's license, registration, and first steps

Texas sets deadlines for new residents to register vehicles and get a Texas license, and the vehicle steps generally come first:

1. Insure the vehicle in Texas
2. Complete any inspection your county requires
3. Register and title the vehicle at the county tax assessor-collector's office
4. Apply for your license at a Texas Department of Public Safety office. Appointments fill up, so book early

Rules and deadlines change, so confirm them with the Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Our moving to Texas guide has the details, and your first 30 days in a new state covers voting, mail, and insurance.

Weather and housing: what surprises Californians

• Heat that lasts. Coastal Californians are used to cool evenings. In Texas, summer heat runs from late spring into fall, and air conditioning carries the load. Have the system serviced when you move in, and ask the seller or landlord for a year of electric bills
• Humidity. Houston summer mornings average over 90 percent relative humidity. Dallas and Austin are somewhat drier but hotter in the afternoon
• Storms. You trade earthquakes for hail, tornado warnings, and flash floods. Learn where to shelter at home and sign up for local weather alerts
• More house, new rules. Many Texas subdivisions have homeowners associations with rules on move hours and truck parking. Get them in writing before delivery day
• Flood maps. In Houston especially, ask about a home's flood history and talk with an insurance agent about flood coverage before you commit

Your trip across the desert, and a short checklist

Decide early whether to drive or fly. Driving lets you bring pets, plants, and valuables, but it is a long haul. Many families fly and ship a car instead. See drive or fly when moving and how to ship a car.

• If you drive, service the car first: tires, coolant, battery, and air conditioning
• Carry water and keep the tank above half in the desert and West Texas
• Never leave pets, medications, or electronics in a parked car in the heat
• Pack a first-week kit to travel with you while the truck is in transit
• Forward your mail and give your employer your move date

Our cross-country moving timeline covers the weeks before. When you have a rough date, request a free quote or call (678) 886-0944.