Have you decided to move from Portland to Houston? Moving to Houston from out of state is a big step, and there are many reasons people make the jump: upsizing, downsizing, buying a home, or changing a relationship like getting married or divorced. A change in employment, a promotion, relocation, or just wanting a change of scenery are other reasons. Families with children move for better schools. Moving can be a stressful endeavor, with so much to do and plan. We get it, which is why we’re committed to making your out-of-state move to Houston as smooth and stress-free as possible.
What Is Moving to Houston Like?
Houston offers so much, including low-cost housing and a thriving job market, especially in the oil and gas, aerospace, technology, and healthcare industries. Texas has no state income tax either, which is one of the biggest draws for anyone moving to Houston from out of state.
Houston is known for its world-class healthcare, and the Texas Medical Center, comprised of more than 60 institutions, is one of the best medical facilities in the world. Houston is culturally diverse, blending many cultures, cuisines, and traditions, as seen in festivals and events such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Original Greek Festival, the Houston Italian Festival, AsiaFest, and more.
Houston has a thriving theater district with globally acclaimed symphony, ballet, opera, and theater companies. Houston’s Museum District features the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, the Contemporary Arts Museum, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and much more.
Houston has the most Fortune 500 companies in Texas, including Phillips 66, Sysco Corp, and ConocoPhillips. Houston has four major league professional teams: the Houston Astros (MLB), Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Rockets (NBA), and Houston Dynamo (MLS).
Houston has a population of 2,304,580, and the Houston metropolitan area has a combined population of 7,122,240. The median household income in Houston is $60,440. Home prices average $339,000, and rents average $1,342 a month for an 882-square-foot apartment. For anyone weighing whether Houston is a good place to live, this mix of affordability, job growth, and culture is a big part of the appeal.
Moving From Portland to Houston - What You Need to Know
Here are some comparisons between Portland and Houston to help with your Houston relocation guide and planning:
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Houston is 25% lower than in Portland. A main component of that is housing costs, which are 103% higher in Portland. Rental prices are 8% lower in Houston. Goods and services costs are 5% lower, groceries are 11% lower, healthcare is 16% lower, and transportation is 36% lower. Utilities are 7% higher in Houston. The median household income in Portland is about $15,000 more than in Houston.
Crime Rate
The crime rate in Houston is 58% lower than in Portland, although the violent crime rate is 106% higher in Houston. This might suggest that Houston is more dangerous. However, most violent crime in big cities is concentrated in certain areas that can be easily avoided, which is why researching safe neighborhoods in Houston before you move is worth the time.
Median Home Price
Home prices in Houston are much lower than in Portland. The median price for a home in Houston is $339,000 compared to $498,850 in Portland, making Houston’s housing market attractive to anyone relocating from a higher-cost city.
Neighborhoods and Diversity
Houston is more culturally and ethnically diverse than Portland. Here is the demographic comparison between the two cities:
- White alone: Portland 72.1%, Houston 40.8%
- White alone, not Hispanic or Latino: Portland 68.3%, Houston 23.6%
- Black or African American alone: Portland 5.9%, Houston 22.4%
- American Indian and Alaska Native alone: Portland 1.0%, Houston 0.7%
- Asian alone: Portland 8.4%, Houston 6.9%
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone: Portland 0.6%, Houston 0.1%
- Two or More Races: Portland 9.2%, Houston 14.9%
- Hispanic or Latino: Portland 10.3%, Houston 44.8%
Weather
Houston has a humid subtropical climate, with warm winters and hot, humid summers. Temperatures range from the mid-30s in winter to the upper 90s in summer. Portland also has a mild climate with warm summers and cool winters. The average summer temperature is around 70°F, while winter temperatures average 40°F. Houston has about 204 sunny days per year, while Portland averages 144.
Rainfall in both cities is higher than the national average of 38.1 inches per year. Houston gets an average of 53 inches of rain per year. Portland gets slightly less at 42.8 inches. It doesn’t snow in Houston, and only a little in Portland, about 2.6 inches of snow per year.
Things to Do
Houston is a bigger city than Portland and offers more attractions, activities, and things to do. Houston is known for its theater and museum districts, diverse cuisines, vibrant nightlife, and big-city activities. The museum district alone has 19 museums to explore, including the Space Center Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children’s Museum.
Portland offers more of a small-town charm, stunning beauty, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking along a variety of trails in and around the city. Mount Hood is close by, as are many beautiful lakes. Top places to visit include Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.
Houston is famous for Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other ethnic foods. Portland is more famous for its craft beer and vegetarian and vegan options on its menus. Both cities have active music scenes.
Schools/Education
Both Portland and Houston have some good public schools to choose from. Houston Independent School District contains 274 schools, 11 of which are ranked in the top 100 schools in Texas by US News, including the 5th-ranked Carnegie Vanguard High School. The Portland Public School District has 86 schools, including the 8th-ranked elementary school in the state, Forest Park Elementary, the #1-ranked middle school in the state, Winterhaven School, and the #2-ranked high school, Grant High School, according to US News. Families researching the best school districts in Houston will find strong options across the metro area.
Public Transportation/Traffic
Houston isn’t known for its public transit, although the city runs local METRO buses along dozens of routes. The METRORail train and commuter system, which includes park-and-rides, is limited, with only 22 miles of track in a city that spans nearly 9,500 square miles. Portland, however, has good public transportation. TriMet manages Portland’s public transportation system, which includes bus service, the MAX light rail, and a streetcar.
The TriMet bus system services the city and suburbs, and the MAX Light Rail has over 90 stations covering 60 miles in the greater Portland region. The Portland Streetcar is an excellent choice for getting around downtown. If you’re used to relying on transit, plan for more car-dependent commuting in Houston.
Culture/Vibe
Houston and Portland have vibrant downtown scenes. Both cities offer museums, arts, music, theater, festivals, and more. Houston is one of only a few US cities with a major symphony, ballet, opera, and theater company. Portland has a large alternative community, featuring avant-garde art, local crafts, and dance troupes.
Sports
Houston is a sports town with four major professional sports teams: the Houston Astros (MLB), the Houston Texans (NFL), the Houston Rockets (NBA), as well as several minor league clubs. Portland is home to the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA) and the Portland Timbers (MLS). Portland also has minor league baseball and hockey. Both cities have major college sports.
Portland to Houston Movers
A long-distance move from Portland to Houston is a big undertaking by yourself. Hiring a top Portland to Houston mover gives you a dedicated move coordinator, professional-grade boxes and packing materials, and optional packing services. Professional movers have the right trucks, equipment, and know-how to make your move as smooth and easy as possible. You get peace of mind when you hire a professional Portland-to-Houston mover.
Benefits of using professional movers:
- Efficient, trained movers
- Specialized equipment, materials, and trucks
- Optional services
- Avoids injuries
- Peace of mind
Tips for Moving to Houston From Out of State
If this is your first time moving out of state to Houston, a few things will make the transition easier:
- Get a written binding estimate before moving day so there are no surprise costs.
- Set up Texas utilities and change your address before you arrive.
- Research neighborhoods by commute, school district, and flood zone, since parts of Houston are more flood-prone than others.
- Budget extra time for humidity and heat if you’re moving in summer.
- Ask your Houston long-distance moving company about storage options if your new home isn’t ready on move-in day.
Why PDX Movers Is Your Best Moving Company Choice
When choosing a Portland to Houston mover, keep in mind that not all movers are the same. Choose an affordable mover that you can trust. Here are some important things to consider before you choose a long-distance Portland to Houston mover:
- Check Yelp and Google reviews. (We have a 4.8 Google rating.)
- How long have they been in business? (We’ve been in business for 10+ years.)
- How many moves have they completed? (We’ve served 3,000 customers per year.)
- What is their claims rate? (Ours is very low.)
- Are they licensed and insured? (We are fully licensed and insured.)
- Do they have the proper equipment and trucks? (We have all the equipment needed and properly maintained professional moving trucks.)
- Do they have awesome customer service? (We have a 4.8/5 customer satisfaction rate.)
- Are the crews trained? (Our professional teams are highly trained and reliable.)
Portland to Houston Moving Cost
How much a Portland to Houston move will cost depends on several factors. Only you can decide if it’s within your budget. We can give you an affordable estimate of moving costs based on the information you provide us. Here are some of the factors that go into a long-distance move estimate:
- Distance
- Weight
- Time of year
- Additional services
- Storage needs
- Specialized moving (pianos, artwork, antiques, pool tables, etc.)
On average, a full-service interstate move from Portland to Houston can range from a few thousand dollars for a studio to well over $10,000 for a full household, depending on weight and services. Getting a written quote is the only reliable way to know your exact cost.
Portland to Houston Distances & Travel Information
Here are the estimated costs and times for the rest of your trip, depending on whether you drive, fly, or take a train:
Driving From Portland to Houston
The distance from Portland to Houston is about 2,250 miles, and it takes about 34 hours to drive there along I-84, I-70, I-40, and several state roads.
Flying From Portland to Houston
A non-stop flight from Portland International Airport to George Bush Intercontinental Airport takes 4 hours and 10 minutes. With a connecting flight, it can take 5 hours or more. Flights typically start at around $183.
Train From Portland to Houston
Amtrak service from Portland to Houston takes two days and 8 hours and costs an average of $512.
Move From Portland OR to Houston TX With the Best Moving Company
Whether you’re moving a studio apartment or renting a large house, moving to Houston from out of state is a big undertaking. Don’t leave the Pacific Northwest without a moving company you can trust. At PDX Movers, we’re one of the trusted Portland moving companies. We know how important it is to get your family to your new life without worry.
Ready to make your move official? Get a free, no-obligation quote from our Portland to Houston team today, and let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on settling into your new home. Call (503) 746-8795 (Portland) or (346) 326-1141 (Houston) to speak with a real move coordinator now.
