Moving from Texas to Tampa Bay — Here's What You Need to Know

Are you a Texan thinking about making the move to Florida? You're in good company. Florida ranked as the #2 inbound state in the U.S. according to U-Haul's 2025 Growth Index, and a growing number of those newcomers are coming straight from the Lone Star State. Whether it's the lure of the Gulf Coast, a new job opportunity, or simply a change of scenery, more Texans than ever are planting roots here in Tampa Bay — and we couldn't be more excited to welcome you.

If you're considering the move, here's what you should know before you go.

Both states share the no-income-tax advantage — but Florida wins on property taxes. This is one of the first things Texans are pleasantly surprised by. Texas property tax rates average around 1.8% of a home's value, while Florida's average is closer to 0.71–0.94%, with a generous homestead exemption on top of that. Over time, that's a meaningful difference — especially if you're upgrading to a larger home.

Tampa's cost of living runs about 9% below the national average. That's not nothing. While major Texas metros like Austin and Dallas have seen housing prices climb significantly in recent years, Tampa still offers a compelling value — waterfront lifestyle, year-round sunshine, and a genuinely affordable day-to-day cost of living. Groceries, utilities, and transportation all come in at or below national norms.

The lifestyle shift is real — and it's a good one. Texas is big, bold, and spread out. Tampa Bay is too — but it trades the landlocked sprawl for miles of coastline, barrier island beaches, and a waterfront culture that becomes part of your daily rhythm fast. Think weekend mornings at Ballast Point Park, dinners in Hyde Park Village, day trips to Clearwater Beach or St. Pete. Once you're here, it's hard to imagine living anywhere else.

Your family will land on their feet. Tampa Bay is one of the most family-friendly metros in the Southeast. We work with families every day who are navigating school searches, neighborhood decisions, and the search for the right community — and the options here are genuinely excellent. From top-rated public schools in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties to a rich network of youth sports, arts programs, and outdoor activities, there's something for every kind of family.

The corporate and business scene is growing fast. One of the big reasons Texans are heading to Tampa Bay is professional opportunity. The region has seen significant growth in finance, healthcare, technology, and logistics — and a number of major employers have expanded their presence here in recent years. If you're relocating for work or considering a career move alongside your geographic one, Tampa Bay is well worth a serious look.

Making a move from Texas to Tampa Bay is a big decision — and that's exactly where we come in. At Relocate Tampa Bay, we help individuals and families skip the overwhelm and get straight to feeling at home. From your first neighborhood tour to finding the right school and settling into your new community, we're with you every step of the way.

Ready to make the move? Reach out to us at relocatetampabayfl.com — we'd love to help you get started.

A note on our sources: Migration data referenced in this post comes from U-Haul's 2025 Growth Index (via Fox Business), U.S. Census Bureau analysis by Point2Homes/Visual Capitalist, property tax comparisons from rent.com and homeia.com, and Tampa cost-of-living data from 2collegebrothers.com and Kiplinger/BEA Regional Price Parities. All data reflects the most recently available figures as of May 2025.