There’s a lot to think about when moving to Texas from Missouri. From differences in the cost of living to insurance premiums along with getting over to the Texas DMV to transfer your Missouri driver’s license and vehicle registration, you’ll want to do some budgeting and planning before you make the move.
Relocalate.com has done the heavy lifting for you. Our expert researchers have compiled the key things you need to know when moving to Texas from Missouri. Find out what you can expect to pay in federal and Texas state taxes, whether you’ll be spending more or less in key cost of living categories, and how long you’ll have to get a new driver’s license and car registration. Plus, you can even get a head start on saving the most money when you move by comparing free quotes for health coverage, car insurance, home/renters insurance, and more.
License & Registration
Transfer your Missouri driver’s license to Texas within 90 days.
Transfer your vehicles & get Texas license plates within 30 days.
On this page, you’ll be able to:
- See how the cost of living compares for Texas and Missouri.
- Estimate how much more or less you can expect to pay in state and federal income taxes after you move to Texas.
- Find out what to expect when it comes to Texas property taxes, buying a home, and home insurance premiums.
- Learn whether you’ll be able to save some money or have to spend a little more in key cost of living categories including groceries, transportation, housing, and healthcare.
- Find out what you’ll need to do with the Texas DMV to transfer your Missouri driver’s license and vehicle registration. (And how long you’ll have to do it.)
- Estimate how much it will cost to move from Missouri to Texas.
- BONUS: Start saving money today by comparing free quotes for all your new insurance policies in Texas.
Moving to Texas from Missouri Checklist
- 1. Estimate the cost of the move.
- 2. Update your insurance policies.
- 3. Be prepared to transfer your Missouri license & registration to Texas.
- 4. Budget and prepare for cost of living changes.
- 5. Change your address and forward your mail through USPS.
- 6. Register to vote.
- 7. Update your new address with your banks, loans, and other accounts.
- 8. Set up your utilities and services at your new home.
Find some more tips and to-dos for Moving to Texas here.
Cost of Moving from Missouri to Texas
Unfortunately moving can be expensive. Moving to a brand new state usually comes with some extra costs.
Use this moving cost calculator to get a rough idea of how much your move from Missouri to Texas will cost.
The rough distance between Texas and Missouri is 614 miles. We’ll use that for our calculations. Select the size of your home that you’ll be moving to get an idea of the costs.
Moving Cost Calculator: Missouri to Texas
Remember, this is just a rough estimate. The cost of your move will vary depending on the company you choose, your belongings, and other circumstances.
Update Your Insurance Policies for Coverage in Texas
Don’t wait! Update your car insurance coverage for Texas
When you move to Texas, you’ll want to make sure that you’ll be covered for all of life’s unexpected situations. That means updating your insurance policies with your new address and the minimum requirements for Texas.
Texas Car Insurance
One of the first policies you’ll want to update when you move is going to be your car insurance coverage.
In Texas, the minimum liability coverage is $30,000 bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $25,000 property damage liability per accident.
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage
$565
On average, the annual premium for a minimum liability coverage policy is higher in Texas. You’ll likely pay more for car insurance in Texas than you did in Missouri.
Average Cost of Full Coverage
$2,019
On average, the annual premium for a full coverage auto insurance policy is higher in Texas. You’ll likely pay more for full coverage in Texas than you did in Missouri.
Do you own a motorcycle?
Texas Home & Renter’s Insurance
Whether you’ll rent or own your new home, you’ll want to make sure you have the right coverage when you arrive.
Let’s face it, accidents happen during a move. Make sure you have the coverage you need to protect your belongings and your house.
Average Cost of Homeowner’s Insurance
$1,967
You can usually expect that the annual premium for home insurance will be higher in Texas. You’ll likely pay more for your home insurance policy in Texas than you did in Missouri.
Will you own or rent your home?
Texas Health Insurance
You’ll also need to make sure that you and your family have health coverage once you arrive in Texas.
If you’ll be keeping your job when you move, be sure to ask your employer about any implications for your current health insurance policy.
You’ll need to find out which hospitals and plans are available near your new home. Spend some time researching providers in your area.
Healthcare Costs in Texas
Higher
Generally, healthcare costs are higher in Texas. You’ll likely pay more for healthcare in Texas than you did in Missouri.
Will you be keeping health insurance with your current employer?
Find Health Coverage ➜
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Tasks when Moving to Texas from Missouri
Transfer your Missouri Driver’s License
within 90 days.
After you’ve moved to Texas, you’ll need to get a valid driver’s license.
Transfer your Missouri Car Registration
within 30 days.
You’ll also need to transfer your vehicle registration and get Texas license plates.
When you become a resident of Texas, you’ll need to transfer your Missouri driver’s license and vehicle registration.
You’ll also need to update your car insurance policies so that they meet the minimum requirements for Texas. Sometimes this can come with a rate hike, so it’s always a smart idea to shop around.
The minimum liability coverage you’ll need in Texas is $30,000 bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $25,000 property damage liability per accident.
You can start comparing car insurance quotes for Texas for free right here on Relocalate.com.
Transfer Your Missouri Driver’s License to Texas
Minimum Age for a Texas Driver’s License
18 years old
A standard Texas driver’s license is available to residents who are at least 18 years old.
Texas Driver’s License Expires
every 2-8 years
You’ll need to renew your driver’s license every 2-8 years.
Texas Driver’s License Cost
$25.00
A driver’s license will cost around $25.00.
One of the first things you’ll want to do after becoming a resident of Texas is to get a driver’s license.
In fact, new residents should apply for their Texas driver’s license within 90 days.
In Texas, driver’s licenses are issued by the DPS.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete the Texas Driver’s License Application.
- Surrender your Missouri driver’s license.
- Present the necessary proof of identity and residency with your new Texas address.
- Pass any required testing.
- Take a photo.
- Pay the driver’s license fee.
After applying and passing any necessary tests, you’ll receive a temporary paper license. The Texas DPS will mail you your new license, and it should arrive within a few weeks.
For official information and for details about scheduling appointments, visit https://www.dps.texas.gov/.
Texas Driver’s License Knowledge Exam
Total Questions on the Texas Driver’s License Test
30 total questions
The Texas knowledge exam will typically consist of 30 total questions that are based on the driver’s handbook.
Passing Score
70%
You’ll need to score 70% to pass the test.
When you transfer your Missouri license to Texas, you should be prepared to pass the driver’s license written exam.
While not every applicant will be required to take the test, it is still a good idea to brush up on traffic laws in Texas.
Before you visit the DPS, take some time to study the official driver’s handbook for Texas. While many traffic laws and safety rules are universal from state to state, there are some specifics that may be a little different.
Assuming your Missouri driver’s license is valid and unexpired, you should not need to take the Texas driving test.
Is your Missouri driver’s license valid?
One potential hang up to be aware of is around the validity of your Missouri driver’s license.
To make things as easy as possible, your Missouri license should be valid when you apply for a license in Texas.
Ideally what this means is that you should clear any issues with the Missouri DMV BEFORE you move.
For example:
- If your Missouri driver’s license is lost or damaged, you should replace it before moving.
- If your Missouri driver’s license is suspended or revoked, you should try to reinstate it before you move.
If your Missouri driver’s license is expired when you go to apply for your Texas license, it’s possible that the DPS will treat it like a brand new application, which may require a written exam and a road test, plus any other requirements for new drivers.
The bottom line: Try to take care of any issues with your Missouri driver’s license BEFORE you move and visit the Texas DMV.
Transfer Your Car Registration from Missouri to Texas
If you’re going to bring your car with you when you move, you’ll also need to transfer your Missouri registration to Texas.
Vehicle registration and titles are handled by the Texas DMV.
You can find more specific details for your vehicle registration and official information at https://www.txdmv.gov/
Texas Registration Fee Basis
flat rate
Texas vehicle registration fees are generally calculated by flat rate.
Registration Base Fee Estimate
$50.75+
Additional fees may vary based on vehicle type as well as any local fees and taxes.
Texas Registration Expiration
every year
In Texas, you’ll need to renew your registration every year.
Front License Plates
Texas requires that vehicles display a front license plate.
Vehicle Safety Inspections
Period vehicle safety inspections are required annually in Texas.
Smog & Emissions Testing
Emissions testing is required annually for large urban areas in Texas.
New residents in Texas are required to transfer their out-of-state vehicle registration within 30 days.
When moving to Texas with vehicles from Missouri, you should be prepared to:
- Complete an application for Texas registration and title.
- Present your current registration documents from Missouri.
- Provide any other necessary proof of ownership documents (title, lease agreement, lienholder information, etc.)
- Pass any necessary vehicle inspections required for Texas registration.
- Have a valid Texas insurance policy for your vehicles.
- Pay the registration fees.
Notify the Missouri DMV
While it’s not always a requirement, it can be worthwhile to update your address with the Missouri DMV and notify them that you have moved out of the state.
This can often be done on the DMV website, and will prevent you from receiving any renewal notices for your old driver’s license and registrations.
Taxes in Texas vs Missouri
Differences in taxes are a big consideration in any state to state move.
Unfortunately, it’s not all black and white. In order to get the full picture, it’s important to consider all of your potential tax burdens when moving from Missouri to Texas including state income tax, property taxes, and sales tax.
Plus, you’ll need to think about how the overall cost of living on key spending categories is going to compare. More on that below.
For example, if you’re a homeowner, it’ll be smart to look at both income tax differences, property tax burdens, as well as average home prices to get a more accurate idea of your tax savings or hike once you move to Texas.
We’ll cover some key differences in your tax savings and tax hikes when moving to Texas from Missouri.
For simplicity’s sake, we’ll be comparing effective tax rates, which simplify the marginal tax rates and tax brackets in each state to look at the estimated average total tax you may be paying.
Note that your tax situation may be much different than the estimates provided here. Use these as a high-level comparison tool.
Federal & State Income Taxes when Moving to Texas from Missouri
Overall, you’ll likely be looking at an income tax savings when moving to Texas from Missouri.
Texas Income Tax (effective rates)
0.00% (single) & 0.00% (joint)
Texas doesn’t have a state income tax.
Effective Rates: Federal + State Income Taxes
16.01%
On average, the effective income tax rate (state + federal) is lower in Texas. You’ll likely pay less in income tax in Texas than you did in Missouri.
Tax Comparison Calculator
Effective income tax rates (Federal + State):
- Texas: 16.01% (single), 15.84% (joint)
- Missouri: 19.05% (single), 18.79% (joint)
In Texas, your tax would be . In Missouri, your tax would be .
You would pay more in than in .
When comparing your overall tax burdens between states, it can help to look at both the state and federal income tax rates.
Remember, this comparison is looking at the effective rates in order to simplify things.
Here’s a high level look at how your effective tax rates may be different after you move to Texas from Missouri
- State Income Tax (single filers): 0.00% in Texas vs 3.12% in Missouri
- State Income Tax (joint filers): 0.00% in Texas vs 3.19% in Missouri
- Federal + State Income Tax (single filers): 16.01% in Texas vs 19.05% in Missouri
- Federal + State Income Tax (joint filers): 15.84% in Texas vs 18.79% in Missouri
Sales Tax in Texas vs Missouri
Next, it’s helpful to consider the differences in sales tax.
Sales tax is a consumption tax you pay when you buy goods and services. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the final price you pay.
Note that many states have a state-wide sales tax and local governments and municipalities can charge an additional sales tax on top of that. This comparison looks at the state-wide sales tax.
Texas Sales Tax
6.25%
Texas has a state sales tax rate of 6.25%.
The sales tax rate is higher in Texas. You’ll likely pay more on sales tax in Texas than you did in Missouri.
Property Taxes in Texas vs Missouri
If you’re a homeowner, or plan to buy a home in Texas, it’s also a good idea to take a look at the difference in property taxes and home values.
Texas Property Tax Estimate
1.80%
The property tax rate is higher in Texas. You’ll likely pay more for property taxes in Texas than you did in Missouri.
Home Prices in Texas
$172,500
On average, the average home price is higher in Texas. You’ll likely pay more for a house in Texas than you did in Missouri.
This is also a good time to back sure you are getting the best deal on your Texas homeowner’s insurance policy.
How Does the Cost of Living Compare in Texas vs Missouri?
Cost of living is another major difference when moving to a brand new state.
Depending on the local industries, geography, region, and population, the price of different goods and services can vary greatly.
Now, the cost of living will also depend on your own lifestyle, spending habits, and which city you move to in Texas.
Cost of living (COL) indexes are used to compare each state to the national average of 100. The difference between COL values higher or lower than 100 represent the percentage difference from the national average.
We can compare the cost of living indexes for Texas and Missouri to get a high level idea of whether we’ll be saving money or have to spend a bit more on the following categories:
- Overall Cost of Living.
- Groceries.
- Housing.
- Utilities.
- Transportation.
- Healthcare.
- Miscellaneous goods and service.
Overall, the cost of living in Texas is
-7.00% cheaper
than the national average, compared to -11.60% cheaper for Missouri.
Texas Cost of Living Index
93
National Avg: 100
On average, the cost of living is higher in Texas. You’ll likely pay more for many things in Texas than you did in Missouri.
Cost of Groceries
-5.20% cheaper
than the national avg.
GROCERY_COL is about the same in both Texas and Missouri.
Housing Costs
-15.80% cheaper
than the national avg.
Generally, the cost of housing (rent/mortgage/etc) is higher in Texas. You’ll likely pay more for housing costs in Texas than you did in Missouri.
Texas Utilities
5.70% more expensive
than the national avg.
The cost of utilities is typically higher in Texas. You’ll likely pay more for your monthly utility bills in Texas than you did in Missouri.
Transportation Costs
-7.40% cheaper
than the national avg.
On average, the cost of transportation is higher in Texas. You’ll likely pay more on transportation in Texas than you did in Missouri.
Healthcare in Texas
-5.90% cheaper
than the national avg.
Generally, healthcare costs are higher in Texas. You’ll likely pay more for healthcare in Texas than you did in Missouri.
Miscellaneous Costs
-4.10% cheaper
than the national avg.
The cost of miscellaneous goods and services are generally higher in Texas. You’ll likely pay more for these things in Texas than you did in Missouri.
Relocalate.com Methodology
While big changes like moving to a new state can be exciting, we also know that any move can be stressful. That’s why we created Relocalate.com.
The data and comparisons on this page are designed to give you a high level look at what you can expect when moving from Missouri to Texas.
Our free moving tools and calculators are here to help you play around with the numbers so you can start working on a budget for your big move to Texas.
We’ve crunched the numbers from census data, federal government resources, state and local data, as well as interviews and chats with people who’ve made the move from Missouri to Texas.
While there are many things we can’t control when moving to a new state, like the overall cost of living and housing prices, we’ve found that one of the single most effective ways to save money is by getting a better deal on your insurance policies.
That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted insurance providers and some of the best in Texas to bring your free quote tools that you can access while you plan out your move.
Good luck! We wish you the best as you get settled into your home and start feeling like a Texas local.