Why Californians Are Moving to Texas in 2026: Home Prices, Property Taxes, Insurance, and Lifestyle Trade-Offs

If you live in Los Angeles or the San Fernando Valley, you’ve probably heard someone talk about moving to Texas. Lower home prices, larger houses, newer neighborhoods, and no state personal income tax can make the idea of relocating feel financially appealing.

For families living in expensive California markets, the opportunity to sell a smaller home and purchase a larger property in Texas can be especially attractive. Imagine trading a home that needs renovations for a newer house with a spacious backyard, a three-car garage, community pools, and neighborhood parks.

But there’s another side to the story.

The cost of moving to Texas isn’t determined by the purchase price alone. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, extreme summer temperatures, commuting expenses, and lifestyle differences can all affect whether the move makes financial sense.

For some Californians, Texas provides the space and financial flexibility they’ve been looking for. Others discover that the savings aren’t as substantial as they expected.

If you’re considering leaving California in 2026, here’s what to understand before making the move.

Why Are So Many Californians Considering Texas?

Housing affordability is one of the biggest reasons Californians consider relocating.

In Los Angeles, Orange County, and other expensive California markets, buyers often pay a premium for location. A home may have an older layout, a smaller yard, or systems that need updating, yet still command a substantial price.

Texas can offer a different combination of home size, construction age, and neighborhood amenities.

In some Dallas-area suburbs, buyers may find newer homes with open floor plans, larger kitchens, home offices, media rooms, and multiple-car garages. Master-planned communities may also feature walking trails, playgrounds, swimming pools, and sports facilities.

For growing families, that additional space can make a meaningful difference in daily life.

Texas also has no state personal income tax, which can be appealing to people earning substantial salaries or receiving certain types of income. However, the overall financial benefit depends on a household’s income, property taxes, insurance, spending, and other circumstances.

The important question isn’t simply whether Texas is cheaper. It’s whether relocating improves your finances and quality of life after all the costs are considered.

Texas Home Prices vs. California Home Prices

One of the most compelling reasons to consider Texas is the potential difference in home prices.

Imagine a homeowner in Porter Ranch or Granada Hills selling a California property and exploring homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Depending on the specific neighborhoods and market conditions, the homeowner may discover properties with considerably more square footage for a lower purchase price.

That can create several opportunities:

• More bedrooms for a growing family
• A larger backyard for outdoor activities
• Newer construction with a more modern layout
• Additional space for working from home
• Community amenities that would be expensive or unavailable nearby in California

However, comparing properties requires more than looking at square footage and asking prices.

A home in one Texas suburb may have a different commute, school assignment, property tax burden, insurance premium, and HOA structure than a similarly priced home elsewhere.

California properties also vary considerably. An older home that needs substantial repairs should not be compared directly with a newly constructed Texas property without accounting for renovation and maintenance expenses.

Before relocating, compare homes that meet similar needs and calculate their total costs over several years.

The Property Tax Surprise Many California Homeowners Overlook

Property taxes are one of the most important expenses to investigate before moving to Texas.

California homeowners who have owned their properties for many years may benefit from Proposition 13, which generally limits the annual increase in a property’s assessed value, subject to certain rules and exceptions.

That can create a substantial difference between a home’s current market value and its assessed taxable value.

Texas works differently. Property taxes are primarily imposed by local taxing units, including school districts, counties, cities, and certain special districts. The total rate depends on the property’s location and the applicable taxing jurisdictions. <Cite refs={[“turn387698search2″,”turn387698search0”]}/>

Consider a hypothetical comparison.

A California homeowner might be paying property taxes based on an assessed value established many years ago. After selling and purchasing a more expensive Texas home, the homeowner could face a new tax bill based on the Texas property’s taxable value and local tax rates.

For illustration, an $850,000 home subject to a combined property tax rate of 2.2% would generate approximately $18,700 in annual property taxes before exemptions or other adjustments.

That is about $1,558 per month.

This is an example, not a statewide Texas rate or a quote for a particular property. Actual taxes can differ significantly by location, exemptions, and taxable value.

For retirees and long-term California homeowners, this difference deserves special attention. Moving to a less expensive home does not automatically guarantee lower annual housing expenses.

Before making an offer, request the property’s current tax information, investigate applicable exemptions, and estimate the likely tax bill under your ownership.

Homeowners Insurance in Texas: Another Cost to Investigate

Insurance is another expense that can change the financial picture.

Texas homeowners can face severe weather risks, including hail, windstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes in coastal areas, and flooding. These risks can influence insurance availability, premiums, deductibles, and coverage requirements.

The Texas Department of Insurance reports that wind and hail have accounted for a substantial share of homeowners insurance losses in recent years. Its consumer guidance also warns that standard homeowners policies generally do not cover flood damage, which may require separate insurance. <Cite refs={[“turn387698search7″,”turn387698search6”]}/>

For buyers moving from California, this means asking specific questions about the property rather than relying on a general estimate for the state.

Before purchasing, investigate:

• The annual homeowners insurance premium
• Wind and hail coverage and deductibles
• Whether flood insurance may be needed
• The roof’s age and condition
• The property’s flood history and location-specific risk
• Potential exclusions and replacement-cost coverage

A newer home is not automatically inexpensive to insure. The property’s location, construction, roof, replacement cost, and insurer’s underwriting rules can all matter.

The Texas Department of Insurance recommends comparing coverage and rates rather than assuming one policy or insurer is the only available option. <Cite refs={[“turn387698search9″,”turn387698search13”]}/>

Texas Weather Can Change Your Daily Lifestyle

Many Californians visit Texas during spring or fall, enjoy the sunshine, and imagine what life would be like with a larger home and backyard.

Summer can be a different experience.

In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, extended periods of extreme heat can limit outdoor activities. Houston adds significant humidity, which can make warm weather feel especially uncomfortable.

That matters when your relocation plans revolve around outdoor living.

A large backyard, outdoor kitchen, swimming pool, or covered patio may look ideal during a home tour. But consider how often you’ll realistically use those spaces during the hottest months.

Think about how the climate could affect:

• Children’s outdoor activities
• Gardening and landscaping
• Energy bills and air-conditioning use
• Outdoor exercise and recreation
• Pool maintenance
• Daily routines during heat waves

Texas weather also includes occasional severe storms and winter cold snaps. Depending on the location, buyers should investigate storm preparedness, drainage, roofing, and the home’s resilience to local conditions.

Some people adapt quickly and enjoy the climate. Others miss Southern California’s ability to support outdoor activities through much of the year.

Neither preference is right or wrong, but climate should be part of the relocation decision.

Larger Homes Can Mean Longer Commutes

Texas has many expansive suburban communities, and some are located well outside major employment centers.

A buyer may find a beautiful house at an attractive price but discover that reaching work, school, healthcare, or regular activities requires considerable driving.

Before purchasing, map the commute during realistic travel times. Consider where family members work, how children will get to school and activities, and whether the household will need multiple vehicles.

Toll roads may also add to the transportation budget in some areas.

Calculate the likely cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, tolls, parking, and additional driving time. If one household member works remotely, determine whether that arrangement is secure enough to support a long-term relocation.

A less expensive home may still be a good decision, but transportation expenses should be included in the comparison.

Culture, Community, and the Feel of Everyday Life

Moving between California and Texas involves more than a change of address.

In some Texas suburbs, neighborhood life may revolve around schools, youth sports, community events, churches, homeowners associations, and organized activities.

Some newcomers appreciate the opportunities to connect with neighbors and participate in community life. Others prefer the more varied social environments and established urban neighborhoods they’re accustomed to in Los Angeles.

The experience also depends on where you settle. Texas is a large and diverse state, and the atmosphere in central Austin can differ considerably from a master-planned community north of Dallas or a neighborhood in Houston.

Californians may also notice differences in restaurant options, cultural events, public transportation, walkability, and access to entertainment.

If you’re considering a move, spend time in the specific neighborhood rather than relying only on online videos or a short vacation. Visit local shopping areas, drive the commute, explore nearby parks, and experience the community during an ordinary weekday.

Are Texas Suburbs a Good Fit for Families?

Many Texas suburbs attract families looking for larger homes, neighborhood amenities, and access to schools.

Communities around Frisco, Plano, Prosper, Southlake, Round Rock, and Cedar Park are among the areas mentioned frequently in relocation conversations.

Some offer newer housing developments, sports facilities, parks, and established suburban infrastructure. But home prices, taxes, school assignments, and commute times differ by location.

A school district’s overall reputation is not a substitute for checking the specific school assigned to a particular property. Families should confirm attendance boundaries, enrollment requirements, transportation, and available programs before buying.

It’s also worth considering whether you prefer the design of a newer master-planned community or the character of an older neighborhood with mature trees and more varied architecture.

For families, the right decision should reflect the needs of the household rather than simply the number of bedrooms or the presence of a community pool.

Jobs, Salaries, and Remote Work Matter

Texas has attracted businesses across several industries, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services.

For someone who can keep a California-level remote salary while living in Texas, relocating may provide an opportunity to reduce certain expenses while gaining more living space.

However, that outcome depends on the employer’s remote-work policy, tax circumstances, and long-term job security.

For people who need to find a new job after moving, salary differences can change the affordability equation. A lower-priced home is less beneficial if the new position pays substantially less or requires a longer commute.

Before relocating, compare realistic employment opportunities, expected compensation, health benefits, childcare costs, and the availability of jobs in your field.

Don’t base the decision solely on a job market’s reputation or a company’s announced expansion. Confirm that suitable positions are available to you.

Texas Infrastructure and Utility Costs

Rapid development can put pressure on roads, schools, utilities, healthcare services, and other infrastructure.

The experience varies by community, so buyers should investigate the specific area they’re considering.

Ask about road construction, commute patterns, utility providers, electricity plans, broadband availability, and access to healthcare. If you’re considering a newer development, understand whether additional construction is planned nearby.

Texas also has a deregulated electricity market in many areas, giving eligible customers a choice of retail electricity providers. That can make it important to compare electricity plans, contract terms, fees, and usage assumptions.

For homes in areas affected by severe storms, ask about local emergency preparedness and the property’s backup power arrangements if outages are a concern.

These details may not be as exciting as a large kitchen or a spacious backyard, but they can make a meaningful difference to everyday life.

Which Texas Cities Should Californians Consider?

There is no single best Texas city for every California household. The right fit depends on employment, budget, schools, climate preferences, and the kind of community you want.

Frisco

Frisco attracts families and professionals looking for newer housing, suburban amenities, and access to the broader Dallas-Fort Worth economy.

Its popularity means buyers should pay close attention to purchase prices, local property taxes, HOA expenses, and commuting needs.

Plano

Plano offers established suburban neighborhoods and access to a range of employers, shopping, restaurants, and services.

It may appeal to households that want suburban living without necessarily choosing one of the newest outer-edge developments.

Round Rock and Cedar Park

Located in the Austin area, Round Rock and Cedar Park may appeal to professionals seeking access to the regional employment market and suburban amenities.

Compare the specific neighborhoods, local taxes, commute routes, home prices, and school assignments rather than assuming the entire area offers the same value.

The Woodlands

North of Houston, The Woodlands is known for its wooded surroundings, trails, parks, and planned community design.

It may appeal to people who value greenery and outdoor recreation. However, Houston-area humidity, storm exposure, flood risk, and commuting patterns deserve careful consideration.

San Antonio

San Antonio may offer a different pace and housing market from the more expensive parts of Dallas and Austin.

For households considering retirement or a more relaxed urban environment, it’s worth comparing housing costs, healthcare access, employment options, and neighborhood amenities.

In every city, the goal is to compare the actual cost and experience of living in a specific neighborhood, not simply to choose a city based on its reputation.

Who Might Benefit Most From Moving to Texas?

Texas may be a strong fit for households whose priorities align with what a particular community offers.

The move may be worth exploring if you:

• Want more living space or a newer home
• Have a reliable job or remote-work arrangement
• Prefer suburban neighborhoods and organized community amenities
• Are comfortable with the local climate
• Have budgeted for property taxes, insurance, and transportation
• Have researched schools, healthcare, and other essential services

On the other hand, staying in California may make more sense for households that place a high value on established local connections, specific job opportunities, coastal access, cultural amenities, or a familiar climate.

Longtime California homeowners should also consider how their existing mortgage, property tax assessment, and accumulated home equity affect the cost of leaving.

The decision is personal, and the financial outcome depends on the individual circumstances.

How to Compare the True Cost of Moving

Before selling your California home, build a side-by-side budget for your current home and the Texas property you’re considering.

Include the following:

1. Housing: Purchase price, mortgage payment, closing costs, and any renovations.
2. Property taxes: Current estimates for the specific Texas property, including applicable exemptions.
3. Insurance: Written quotes and any separate coverage needed for flood or other risks.
4. Utilities: Electricity, water, internet, and seasonal heating or cooling costs.
5. Transportation: Fuel, tolls, vehicle expenses, parking, and commute time.
6. Community expenses: HOA dues, special assessments, and other recurring fees.
7. Income: Expected salary, benefits, remote-work eligibility, and relevant tax implications.
8. Moving costs: Relocation expenses, temporary housing, storage, and furnishing a larger home.

Then compare the expected annual cost of living in each location, not just the mortgage or purchase price.

It may also help to visit your preferred Texas communities during the summer and experience the climate before making a permanent decision.

Is Moving to Texas Worth It in 2026?

For some Californians, moving to Texas can deliver more space, a different lifestyle, and a housing arrangement that better matches their priorities.

For others, the combination of property taxes, insurance, weather, transportation, and lifestyle changes may reduce the expected savings.

Texas is not simply California at a lower price. It has its own housing markets, climate, tax structure, communities, and trade-offs.

The most successful relocations tend to be the ones planned around realistic numbers and clear priorities, rather than social media headlines or a single attractive home listing.

If you’re weighing whether to sell in Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, or elsewhere in Los Angeles and move to Texas, take the time to compare your current cost of ownership with the actual costs of the property and community you’re considering.

A move should improve your life financially, practically, or personally. Understanding the trade-offs before you go gives you a better chance of making a decision you’ll feel good about for years to come.

Watch the Video

Thinking about leaving California for Texas? Watch the full video to hear Scott Himmelstein discuss the real estate and lifestyle trade-offs behind this relocation trend, including home prices, property taxes, insurance, extreme weather, commuting, and the Texas cities attracting California families.

Before making your next move, understand the full picture and decide which location best fits your budget, family, and long-term goals.