Leaving New York. Landing in Texas.
Why families are leaving New York for Texas
New York offers a lot, and it charges for all of it. Between a state income tax that tops out at 10.9%, an additional New York City tax approaching 4%, and a cost of living well above the national average, a growing number of families are deciding the trade is no longer worth it. Texas offers space, jobs, and a zero-income-tax paycheck, which is why it has become one of the top destinations for New Yorkers on the move, especially remote workers and retirees.
What you will actually save (and what costs more)
This is the heart of it.
- Income tax: New York taxes income up to 10.9%, and New York City residents pay an additional city income tax approaching 3.9%, roughly 14.7% combined at the top. Texas has no state income tax at all, including none on retirement income, and it has been prohibited under the state constitution since 1993.
- Home prices: New York's median home runs about $420,000 versus roughly $310,000 in Texas, about $110,000 less, and your dollar stretches further outside the biggest metros.
- Cost of living: overall roughly 25% lower in Texas than in New York.
- Estate tax: New York levies an estate tax. Texas has none.
Honest callout, the real tradeoff: Property tax is where Texas pushes back. Because it has no income tax, Texas funds schools largely through property taxes, and its effective rate of about 1.6% to 1.8% is among the highest in the country, similar to or above New York's average and steeper in fast-growing metros like Austin. For most movers the income-tax savings still come out well ahead, but budget for the property tax bill, and expect real Texas summer heat.
Freedom on paper: the laws that actually differ
Beyond taxes, the day-to-day legal climate differs in ways New Yorkers notice quickly, from firearm laws to business regulation to how the state manages its budget. Texas has run a Republican trifecta for years, which shows up in a lighter regulatory touch and, of course, no income tax to fund. We keep this practical rather than political: the rules you live under change when you cross the line, and for many families that change is a real part of the decision.
A quick tour for New York families
- Dallas-Fort Worth (Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Southlake): corporate relocations, top-rated schools, and strong value for the size of home.
- Houston suburbs (The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land): space, energy-sector jobs, and lower prices inland.
- Austin and the Hill Country: the tech hub and the most coastal in feel, but also the priciest Texas metro, so set expectations.
- San Antonio: the lowest cost of living among the big metros, strong for families and retirees.
What surprises New Yorkers (so nothing surprises you)
The property tax bill can feel high even with no income tax, so protest your appraisal, Texas homeowners routinely do, and file your homestead exemption, which caps annual appraised-value increases at 10%. On the plus side, there is no state income tax return to file at all. Distances are big, so you will drive more than you did back east. And establishing Texas residency is what locks in the benefits. We walk clients through all of it.
How to make the move without living it twice
Sell high in New York, buy right in Texas, and line up the timing so you are not carrying two homes at once. This is exactly what we do: we connect you with a vetted New York listing agent and a vetted Texas buyer's agent who coordinate the two closings. One introduction, both ends handled.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to live in Texas than New York?
For most households, yes. The savings come from no state income tax, home prices roughly $110,000 lower, and a cost of living about 25% below New York's, though Texas property taxes are higher and offset some of it.
Does Texas really have no income tax?
Yes. Texas has no state income tax, and it is prohibited under the state constitution. That includes no tax on wages or on retirement income.
Are property taxes higher in Texas than New York?
Often, yes. Texas effective property tax rates run about 1.6% to 1.8%, among the highest in the country, but for most movers the income-tax savings more than make up for it.
How do I establish Texas residency?
Generally you get a Texas driver's license, register to vote, register your vehicles, spend the majority of the year in the state, and file your homestead exemption. We can point you to the exact steps.
Can you help me sell in New York and buy in Texas?
Yes, that is exactly what we do. We match you with one vetted agent on each end and coordinate both sides of the move. Our referral service is free to you; we are paid a referral fee by the agent we connect you with, at no additional cost to you, and that agent represents you under their own separate agreement.
Keep exploring your move
Sell in New York. Buy in Texas.
One team coordinates both sides of your move so you never have to live it twice. Our referral service is free to you; we are paid by the agent we match you with, at no additional cost.
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