10 things you need to know before moving from Canada to Texas (2026)

Texas is the second most popular US destination for Canadians, after Florida. It offers no state income tax, housing that’s significantly cheaper than Toronto or Vancouver, a booming job market in energy, tech, and healthcare, and a warm climate year-round. The main adjustments for Canadians are the extreme summer heat (regularly above 38°C in Dallas and Houston), the absence of public healthcare (US health insurance is essential and expensive), and a driving culture that makes a car non-negotiable in most of the state. This guide covers 10 things every Canadian should know before moving to Texas in 2026.

1. The Climate is Extreme — Especially in Summer

This is the adjustment that surprises most Canadians most. Texas summers are not just warm — they’re extreme. Dallas regularly sees temperatures above 38°C (100°F) from June through September, and Houston adds high humidity that makes it feel even hotter. In 2023, Texas experienced over 60 consecutive days above 38°C in some cities.

• Dallas average July high: 37°C (99°F)
• Houston average July high: 35°C (95°F) with 70–80% humidity
• Austin average July high: 36°C (97°F)
• San Antonio average July high: 36°C (97°F)

Air conditioning is not optional — it runs 6–8 months per year, which significantly affects electricity bills. Budget $180–$320 USD/month for electricity during summer months. Winter in Texas is generally mild (Dallas averages 7°C in January), though Texas experienced significant winter storms in 2021 that caused widespread power outages — a reminder that Texas’s independent power grid (ERCOT) can be vulnerable in extreme cold.

2. Housing Is Significantly Cheaper Than Major Canadian Cities

This is Texas’s biggest draw for Canadians priced out of Toronto or Vancouver. Here’s how the numbers compare in 2026:

Note: With the CAD/USD exchange rate at ~0.72–0.74, USD prices are approximately 35% higher in Canadian dollar terms. Even accounting for currency, Texas housing is significantly more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver.

3. There Is No State Income Tax in Texas

Texas is one of seven US states with no state income tax. For Canadians moving from Ontario (13.16% provincial rate) or BC (20.5% top rate), this is a meaningful financial advantage. You still pay federal US income tax, and Texas funds public services partly through higher property taxes — typically 1.5–2.5% of assessed property value per year, which is higher than most Canadian provinces. Net-net, most Canadians still come out ahead on taxes in Texas, particularly at higher income levels.

4. Healthcare Works Very Differently

This is the most important practical difference for Canadians moving to Texas. There is no publicly funded universal healthcare in the US. You need private health insurance from day one — and it’s expensive.

• Employer-sponsored plan (individual): Often $150–$400 USD/month in premiums plus deductibles of $1,500–$5,000/year
• Private marketplace plan (no employer): $400–$700 USD/month for an individual with a $3,000–$7,000 deductible
• Emergency room visit (uninsured): $1,500–$5,000+ USD for a basic visit

Your Canadian provincial health coverage ends the moment you establish US residency. If you’re moving for a job, confirm your employer’s health benefits before accepting the offer. If you’re self-employed or between jobs, arrange US coverage before you leave Canada. Never let coverage lapse between Canadian and US plans.

5. You Need a Visa or Work Permit to Work in Texas

Canadians can visit the US without a visa for up to 182 days per year, but working or living permanently in Texas requires legal immigration status. Key options for Canadians:

• TN visa: Available under CUSMA/USMCA for specific professional categories (engineers, accountants, lawyers, scientists, teachers, etc.) — one of the fastest and most accessible pathways for Canadian professionals
• Employment-based green card: Sponsored by a US employer — longer process (often 1–3+ years)
• Family sponsorship: If you have a US citizen spouse or immediate family member
• E-2 investor visa: If you’re starting or buying a business in Texas

Consult a US immigration lawyer before making any permanent move decisions. The process varies significantly depending on your profession and circumstances.

6. Texas Has a Strong and Diverse Job Market

Texas added over 280,000 jobs in 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing job markets in North America. Key sectors for Canadians:

• Energy and oil & gas: Houston is the energy capital of North America — strong connections to Alberta’s oil sector
• Technology: Austin’s “Silicon Hills” tech scene has attracted Tesla, Dell, Apple, and dozens of major tech companies
• Healthcare: Texas Medical Center in Houston is the world’s largest medical complex
• Aerospace and defense: Major presence in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston (NASA)
• Finance: Dallas is a major financial hub with a growing presence of companies relocating from the northeast US

Average salaries in Texas are generally comparable to or higher than Canadian equivalents in most professional fields, and the no-state-income-tax advantage increases take-home pay further.

7. A Car Is Not Optional — It’s Essential

Texas is the second largest state in the US, and most of it was built around the car. Unlike Toronto or Vancouver where you can live without a vehicle, Texas cities are spread out and public transit is limited outside of a few downtown cores.

• Dallas DART: Light rail and bus system covers parts of the metro, but most areas require a car
• Houston Metro: Bus and light rail, but coverage is limited for a metro of 7 million people
• Austin: Limited transit; most residents need a car
• Gasoline: ~$3.20–$3.50 USD/gallon in Texas (2026 avg.) — still cheaper than Canada
• Car insurance: Texas averages $1,800–$2,500 USD/year depending on city and driving record

If you’re shipping your vehicle from Canada, Centennial Moving offers car shipping services as part of your cross-border move.

8. Texan Culture Has a Strong Regional Identity

Texas has a distinct culture that differs significantly from Canadian norms — and most Canadians find it genuinely interesting rather than difficult to adapt to. Key things to know:

• Southern hospitality is real — Texans are generally warm, friendly, and community-oriented
• Mexican cultural influence is significant — Tex-Mex cuisine, Spanish language, and border culture shape everyday life across the state
• Sports culture is intense — football (NFL’s Cowboys and Texans), baseball (Rangers and Astros), and rodeo are deeply embedded in Texas identity
• Gun culture — Texas has permissive gun laws; open and concealed carry are common and legal
• Political environment — Texas is a conservative state; the political climate is meaningfully different from most Canadian provinces

9. The Customs Process Requires Careful Planning

Moving household goods across the US-Canada border requires customs documentation. Key requirements:

• A detailed inventory of all items being moved (description and estimated value)
• Form 3299 (Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles) for household goods
• Proof of US residency status (visa, green card, work permit)
• Items owned for less than 12 months may be subject to US customs duty
• Vehicles imported into the US must meet EPA and DOT standards — Canadian vehicles generally qualify but need documentation

Working with a mover experienced in cross-border moves significantly reduces customs complications. Centennial Moving’s Canada to USA service includes customs documentation support.

10. Budget for the Hidden Costs of Moving to Texas

Beyond housing and healthcare, several expenses catch Canadian newcomers off guard:

• Property taxes: 1.5–2.5% of assessed value per year — on a $370,000 home, that’s $5,500–$9,000/year
• Home insurance: $1,500–$3,000/year in most Texas cities; higher near the Gulf Coast due to hurricane risk
• Summer electricity bills: $180–$320 USD/month during peak summer (June–September)
• Cross-border tax filing: In your first year of departure, you file both a Canadian departure tax return and a US tax return — consult a cross-border accountant
• Moving costs: A cross-border move from Ontario to Texas for a 2-bedroom household typically costs $5,000–$10,000 CAD

When you’re ready to make the move, Centennial Moving provides Canada to USA moving services with full cross-border logistics and customs documentation support. Get a free quote within 24 hours.