1
Austin, TX
Most similar to California tech culture, strong startup scene
Median rent: $1,875 vs SF's $2,995 · No income tax
Relocation guide
Moving from California to Texas: Complete 2026 Guide
More Americans are moving from California to Texas than almost any other interstate move in the U.S. The reasons are well-documented: no state income tax in Texas, dramatically lower housing costs, and a business-friendly environment. But moving is a big decision. Here's an honest, data-driven look at what changes — and what doesn't — when you make the move.
Updated April 10, 2026
Top cities to consider
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2
San Francisco, CA
Highest median income in our dataset, highest cost of living
Median rent: $2,995/mo · State tax: 9.3%
3
Nashville, TN
Alternative to Texas — also no income tax, lower rent
Median rent: $1,750/mo · No state income tax
4
Denver, CO
Midpoint option: lower taxes than CA, outdoor lifestyle similar
State tax: 4.63% flat · 300 sunny days/year
5
Miami, FL
Popular CA-to-FL alternative for tech and finance workers
No state income tax · Warm year-round
Compare these cities yourself
Pick any two cities from this guide and see all the data side by side — rent, income, taxes, weather.
Open comparison toolFrequently asked questions
How much money do you save moving from California to Texas?
California's top income tax rate is 13.3% (9.3% for most earners). Texas has no state income tax. A person earning $100,000 saves approximately $9,300 per year in state income taxes. On top of that, Austin's median rent ($1,875) is $1,120 lower per month than San Francisco ($2,995), saving another $13,440 per year — total potential savings over $22,000 annually.
What are the biggest differences between California and Texas?
Key differences: Texas has no state income tax (saves thousands per year), much lower home prices, higher property taxes, less regulation, and hotter summers. California has better public transit infrastructure, stricter environmental protections, more diverse urban culture, and milder coastal climates. Texas has grown significantly in culture and diversity over the past decade.
Is Austin really like California?
Austin has a strong tech and creative community that feels culturally similar to Bay Area cities — but at significantly lower cost. The city has a well-known slogan 'Keep Austin Weird' and has attracted major tech offices from Apple, Tesla, Oracle, and Google. That said, the climate (hot, humid summers) and suburban sprawl are quite different from coastal California.
What about moving from LA to Austin vs San Francisco to Austin?
Both are popular moves. LA-to-Austin movers often cite lower rent and no income tax as primary drivers. SF-to-Austin is especially common in tech — the job market is strong, and the combined savings (rent + taxes) can exceed $25,000 per year for tech workers earning $150,000+.
Are Texas property taxes high?
Yes — Texas property taxes are among the highest in the nation (often 1.5%–2.5% of assessed value per year) because the state funds local services through property taxes instead of income taxes. A $550,000 home in Austin might cost $8,000–$13,000 per year in property taxes. This is a real trade-off vs. California's Prop 13-capped rates.