Moving from Ohio to Texas

Moving from Ohio to Texas

Relocating from Ohio to Texas presents an exciting opportunity to experience a new climate, culture, and economic advantages while enjoying significant cost-saving benefits. In this article, we’ll walk you through the key considerations, from economic opportunities to lifestyle changes and energy usage differences, making your move as smooth as possible.

Key Differences Between Ohio and Texas

Climate

Ohio’s temperate climate features cold winters and humid summers, while Texas’ climate varies from arid in the west to humid in the east. Adjusting to Texas’ warmer winters and hotter summers includes installing efficient cooling systems to combat summer heat, utilizing drought-resistant landscaping in drier regions, and preparing for occasional extreme weather, such as thunderstorms and hurricanes in coastal areas.

Lifestyle

Texas offers a diverse lifestyle with urban, suburban, and rural living options. The Lone Star State’s cities are more sprawling than Ohio’s, providing larger homes and open spaces, especially in suburban areas.

Culture

Texas is renowned for its cowboy heritage, live music, and barbecue culture – contrasting with Ohio’s Midwestern charm and industrial history. Both states share a strong sports culture, with Ohio excelling in college football and Texas boasting a mix of college and professional sports dominance.

Job Market and Economic Opportunities in Texas

Texas’ robust economy thrives on industries, with strong job opportunities, particularly in:

• Energy: Texas leads in oil, gas, and renewable energy production.

• Technology: Austin’s Silicon Hills is a growing tech hub.

• Healthcare: Houston’s Texas Medical Center is the world’s largest medical complex.

• Manufacturing and Aerospace: Dallas-Fort Worth is home to major manufacturing and aviation firms.

State Income Taxes: Ohio vs. Texas

Ohio’s state income tax ranges from 2.765% to 3.99%, depending on income brackets. Texas, on the other hand, has no state income tax, which significantly increases disposable income and attracts professionals and businesses alike.

Cost of Living: Ohio vs. Texas

Minimum Wage: Ohio: $10.10/hour (as of 2025), Texas: $7.25/hour.

Median Household Income: Ohio: $61,938, Texas: $68,093.

Median Home Price: Ohio: $250,000, Texas: $309,000. Texas homes often offer more space.

Average Apartment Rent (2-Bedroom): Ohio: $1,100/month, Texas: $1,200/month.

Child Care Costs: Ohio: $850/month, Texas: $913/month.

Cost of 1 Gallon of Milk: Ohio: $3.80, Texas: $3.60/gallon.

Cost of 1 Gallon of Gasoline: Ohio: $3.30/gallon, Texas: $3.20/gallon.

Your Moving Checklist

Research Housing Options

Explore suburban and rural Texas neighborhoods offering larger homes, and be sure to look for energy-efficient homes to save on cooling costs.

Plan Your Route

Popular interstates include I-70 west to I-35 south, connecting Ohio to Texas cities like Dallas and Austin.

Estimate Moving Costs

The average cost to relocate from Ohio to Texas ranges from $4,000 to $6,500, depending on the moving company and volume of belongings.

Pack Strategically

Include lightweight clothing for Texas summers and keep winter essentials for occasional chilly days.

Settling into Texas

Education: High school graduation rates: Ohio (87.6%) vs. Texas (90%). Average student-to-teacher ratio: Ohio (17:1) vs. Texas (16:1).

Crime Rates: Texas offers safer urban areas compared to some Ohio cities. For instance, Frisco and McKinney are among the safest cities in the U.S.

License and Registration: Transfer your driver’s license and register your vehicle in Texas within 90 days.

Deregulated Energy Markets

In Texas, residents benefit from a deregulated energy market, allowing them to choose from numerous electricity providers and plans, including renewable energy options. Competition fosters lower rates and better service.

Ohio also has a partially deregulated energy market, but the options are fewer and rates tend to be higher compared to Texas.

Energy Usage

Average Cost of Electricity: Ohio: 13.2 cents/kWh, Texas: 12.5 cents/kWh.

Typical Energy Usage Patterns: Ohio has higher winter heating costs due to frigid temperatures, while in Texas, higher summer cooling costs.

Renewable Energy Options: Texas leads in renewable energy with vast wind and solar resources, providing green energy plans the likes of which are often not available in Ohio.

Weather-Related Costs: Heating bills in Ohio winters can exceed $250/month. Cooling bills in Texas summers typically range from $150 to $200/month with energy-efficient systems.

City-by-City Comparison

Ohio

1. Columbus: Population 907,000; vibrant but with a higher cost of living.

2. Cleveland: Population 372,000; known for its arts scene and lakefront.

3. Cincinnati: Population 309,000; steeped in history and culture.

4. Toledo: Population 270,000; industrial base with affordable housing.

5. Akron: Population 190,000; smaller city with a focus on healthcare.

Texas

1. Houston: Population 2.3 million; diverse, affordable, and opportunity-rich.

2. Dallas: Population 1.4 million; business and cultural hub.

3. Austin: Population 964,000; tech-savvy and music-centered.

4. San Antonio: Population 1.5 million; historic and family-friendly.

5. Fort Worth: Population 935,000; vibrant with growing arts and culinary scenes.

When You Get to Texas, Let’s Chat!

Moving from Ohio to Texas will open up new opportunities for your family to put down roots in wide open spaces… and also to choose an electricity provider. Compare rates and plans by doing some research online, and be sure to check out the affordable, 100% renewable energy from Rhythm Energy. To find out what’s available in your area, visit gotrhythm.com and enter your zip code.