Moving from California to Temple, Texas can cut housing costs by nearly 70%. The median home price in Temple is around $268K compared to about $899K statewide in California—while Texas also has no state income tax.

Why So Many Californians Are Moving to Texas

Over the last few years, California-to-Texas migration has become the largest state-to-state relocation trend in the United States.

Thousands of Californians are leaving high housing costs, taxes, and insurance challenges in search of affordability and lifestyle balance.

Many of them are discovering smaller Texas cities like Temple and Belton, which offer dramatically lower home prices while still being close to major metros like Austin.

For buyers relocating from places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego, the difference can be shocking.

Let’s break down exactly what changes when you move.

Cost of Living: Temple vs California

The biggest reason many relocation buyers consider Central Texas is simple: the cost of living difference is massive.

Temple vs San Francisco

Overall, the cost of living in San Francisco is more than 85% higher than Temple.

Temple vs Los Angeles

Los Angeles is roughly 75% more expensive overall than Temple.

That means the same income that provides a modest lifestyle in California can go dramatically further in Central Texas.

Housing: Where the Real Difference Shows

Housing is the category where relocating buyers notice the biggest financial shift.

That’s a difference of more than $630,000.

Monthly Mortgage Example

Assuming a 30-year loan at 6%:

That’s a potential savings of about $3,780 per month.

Many relocation buyers discover they can:

• Upgrade from a condo to a 4-bedroom house

• Get larger yards

• Move into new construction homes

—all while spending less.

Texas Taxes vs California Taxes

One of the most talked-about differences is the tax structure.

State Income Tax

California has one of the highest income tax rates in the country.

For high-earning professionals, this can mean tens of thousands of dollars in annual savings.

Property Taxes

Texas property taxes are higher than California's.

However, because homes are dramatically cheaper in Temple, the actual tax bill can still be similar or lower.

Example:

• $900K home in California → about $6,750/year

• $270K home in Temple → about $5,900/year

California’s Insurance Crisis vs Texas

Another factor driving relocation is California’s increasingly unstable insurance market.

In recent years, several major insurers have reduced or stopped issuing new policies in California due to wildfire risk.

Companies like State Farm, Allstate, and Farmers Insurance have scaled back coverage in parts of the state.

As a result:

• Many homeowners are forced into the California FAIR Plan

• Insurance premiums have surged

• Policy availability has become unpredictable

Texas certainly has weather risks of its own, but the insurance market remains competitive and widely available across Central Texas.

What Temple and Belton Offer Beyond Affordability

Cost savings are important—but lifestyle matters too.

Here are some of the reasons relocation buyers choose the Temple area.

Strong Healthcare Economy

Temple is anchored by Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple, one of the largest healthcare employers in the region.

The city is also home to:

• McLane Children's Medical Center

• Olin E. Teague Veterans Medical Center

Healthcare, technology, and manufacturing are all growing industries locally.

Easy Access to Austin

Temple sits about 60 miles north of Austin along I-35.

This means you can enjoy:

• Major concerts and festivals

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

• Tech jobs and networking

—all without paying Austin housing prices.

Short Commutes

The average commute time in Bell County is about 18 minutes, significantly shorter than most California cities.

For many newcomers, this alone can dramatically improve quality of life.

Outdoor Recreation

Temple residents enjoy easy access to outdoor destinations like:

• Belton Lake

• Stillhouse Hollow Lake

Boating, fishing, hiking, and lakefront parks are all part of daily life in the area.

Honest Trade-Offs When Moving From California

Every relocation comes with adjustments.

Here are a few things Californians notice when they move to Central Texas.

Hot Summers

Texas summers often reach 100°F or higher, which can be an adjustment for people coming from coastal California climates.

Smaller-City Pace

Temple has a slower pace than large California metros. Some people love the reduced stress, while others miss the constant activity of major cities.

No Ocean or Mountains

Outdoor recreation here focuses on lakes, rivers, and parks, not the Pacific coast or mountain ranges.

Why Many California Buyers Choose Temple or Belton

Despite the differences, many relocation buyers find Temple offers a strong balance of affordability and opportunity.

Compared with California, you may gain:

• A larger home

• Lower monthly housing costs

• No state income tax

• Shorter commutes

• Access to lakes and outdoor recreation

• Proximity to Austin

For many families, that combination creates a much higher quality of life for the same income.

Thinking About Moving From California to Texas?

If you're considering relocating from California to Temple or Belton, having a local guide can make the process much easier.

The Home in Texas Team is a mother-daughter run real estate team specializing in relocation buyers, first-time homebuyers, and luxury homes in Central Texas.

We help out-of-state buyers:

• Understand the Temple and Belton housing market

• Explore neighborhoods and school districts

• Schedule virtual tours before moving

• Navigate the Texas home buying process

📍 Considering the move from California to Texas?
Let’s talk about what life in Temple or Belton could look like for you.

Home in Texas Team
Relocation Specialists | First Time Homebuyer Specialists
Serving Temple, Belton, and Bell County Texas