A new state. A new chapter.

Plan your move
to another state.

Explore housing and everyday costs across all 50 states. Then build your out-of-state moving budget and checklist.

One move. So many possibilities.
TWO STATES. ONE NEW CHAPTER.

Compare states.
Find your fit.

See the numbers. Picture the possibilities.

A little inspiration:
Your move, on the map
Compare New Jersey and Texas on the U.S. mapAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

A new place. A fresh perspective.

ANew JerseyBTexas

Tap a state to change your destination. Keyboard: arrow keys, then Enter.

Alaska and Hawaii shown as insets. Line is not a driving route.

Your states, at a glance.

6 measures

Texas wins 5 of 6 measures

Living costs

U.S. = 100 · ↓ Lower wins

NJ108.8Loss
TX97.1Win

Monthly rent

Median / month · ↓ Lower wins

NJ$1,720Loss
TX$1,403Win

Home value

Owner estimate · ↓ Lower wins

NJ$454,400Loss
TX$283,800Win

Household income

Median / year · ↑ Higher wins

NJ$103,556Win
TX$78,476Loss

Commute

One way · ↓ Lower wins

NJ32.5 minLoss
TX28.4 minWin

Unemployment

Annual rate · ↓ Lower wins

NJ4.5%Loss
TX4.1%Win

BEA 2024 · Census ACS 2020–2024 · BLS 2024. Statewide figures, not live listings.

How to read the wins and bars

Only the selected states are compared. Lower costs, home values, unemployment and commute times win; higher household income wins. Measures count equally, overlap and are not an overall best-state score. Ties stay tied. Bars start at zero; longer means larger, not always better.

Median rent includes applicable tenant-paid utilities. Home values are owner estimates. Household income can include more than one earner. Check the full comparison for sources and limitations.

50 states · 23 facts

See How States Compare

Overall prices in 2024 compared with the U.S. average of 100; 110 means prices were 10% higher.

Price index · U.S. = 100
Texas · 97.1 · #27
BEA · 2024Values rounded · Bars start at zeroHover to explore · Click to compareAll 50 states · Choose a state above

Texas has a 10.8% lower overall price level.Compared with New Jersey · BEA 2024.State averages give context. Your household costs will vary.
Explore the full comparison
50 states · Official BEA price data · Free planning toolsSee all state cost rankings →
Your move in 3 steps

How to plan an out-of-state move

Choose your stage. Open a useful tool. Check off a task.
Your next chapter starts with one next step.

0%0 of 15 tasks completeProgress saved on this device
Selected route: New Jersey → Texas
Step 01 / Choose

Choose where to move out of state

Start with your everyday life: housing, income and the costs that matter to your household.

Compare the places. Picture the possibilities.

Compare housing and everyday costsSee your selected states side by side.Read the Texas moving guideExplore housing, jobs and practical details.Compare cost of living across all 50 statesUse the rankings to refine your shortlist.
My destination checklist0 of 4 complete
Go at your pace. Switch stages whenever you need.
Step 02 / Plan

Estimate your out-of-state moving costs

Set a realistic budget, compare how you will move, and create a checklist you can work through.

Turn the big decision into small next steps.

Build your out-of-state moving budgetAdd transport, travel, deposits and a reserve.Compare DIY moving vs. hiring moversCompare the cash costs of your moving options.Use the moving-out-of-state checklistFollow the timeline and print your checklist.
My moving checklist0 of 5 complete
Go at your pace. Switch stages whenever you need.
Step 03 / Settle

What to do after moving to a new state

Keep essential records and new-resident tasks together while you settle into your destination.

New address. Fresh routines. Your next chapter.

Update your address after movingOrganize the people and services to notify.Plan your new-state DMV tasksFind the license and vehicle steps to check.Organize your state residency recordsPrepare a checklist for your residency change.
My new-state checklist0 of 6 complete
Go at your pace. Switch stages whenever you need.Review all moving guides
Take your plan with you

Print your moving plan

Your selected states and checklist are included. Add a date, budget estimate and notes if you have them.

Use your saved calculator budget or enter your own estimate. Open budget calculator →

Details stay in this browser.

Your checked tasks stay in this browser. No account required.

A little inspiration

State-to-state cost of living comparisons

Explore how housing, income and everyday costs compare along these example moving routes.

Choose any two states ↗

New Jersey → Texas

Compare everyday costs, housing and income.

Explore comparison

California → Texas

Compare everyday costs, housing and income.

Explore comparison

New York → Florida

Compare everyday costs, housing and income.

Explore comparison

Arizona → California

Compare everyday costs, housing and income.

Explore comparison

Illinois → North Carolina

Compare everyday costs, housing and income.

Explore comparison

Washington → Arizona

Compare everyday costs, housing and income.

Explore comparison
Planning this route?New Jersey to Texas moving guide →
A family with moving boxes outside their new home.
Beyond the numbers

Moving to another state: stories and lessons

Explore moving experiences and practical lessons as you prepare for a new place to call home.

Explore moving stories
Before you begin

Questions about planning an out-of-state move

How can I compare the cost of living between two states?

Choose your current state and destination using the selectors or map. Then open the full comparison to review price levels, housing and income. Use the linked planning tools to explore what those differences could mean for your move.

Will moving to a cheaper state lower my household costs?

It depends on your housing, income, transport and other expenses. The preview compares overall price levels in the BEA’s 2024 Regional Price Parities. It is a statewide comparison, not a forecast of your household budget. Cities, neighborhoods and personal choices can change your actual costs.

Will my moving plan be saved?

Save your route and check off tasks to keep your plan in this browser on this device. Your progress stays here when you return. Clearing browser data or using another device will not carry it over.

Built for clearer moving decisions. Price preview: BEA 2024 Regional Price Parities. Explore our editorial policy for how we approach information.