Home & Moving Guide for Houston

Relocating to Houston

The Houston area has 7,442,788 residents (2024 ACS 5-Year). Population changed +6.6% between the 2020 and 2024 ACS 5-Year estimates. Summers peak around 94°F in August and winter lows fall to about 46°F in January (NOAA climate normals). Use the comparison tool on this page if you're weighing the area against another city.

Choosing a Neighborhood

The Houston area includes Houston, Pasadena, Pearland, League City, Sugar Land and Baytown, each with its own character and price point. Before choosing where to live, check schools, commute and cost for the specific streets you are considering, not just the town as a whole. The Communities and Map pages list the towns around the market with their populations.

Budgeting for the Move

Housing in the area runs a median home value of $298,000 and median gross rent of $1,430 (Census ACS). The Bureau of Economic Analysis's regional price index for the metro area is 98.6 (U.S. average = 100), which is below the national average. State income tax: None. State sales tax: 6.25%, before local add-ons. Rent first while you house-hunt? The apartment locator resources below are a faster start than searching home by home.

Getting Settled

Once you arrive: register to vote and update your driver's license and vehicle registration (see the guides in this section), set up utilities, and explore the local businesses in Real Estate and Home & Moving. The About Houston section has the demographic, economic and housing detail behind the figures above.