Texans move to Montana with regularity – In 2017, 919 people moved from the Lone Star State to Big Sky Country. If you are planning to be part of the Texas-to-Montana crowd this year, prepare for a large open country just like Texas, but with a few differences that make Montana its own distinct place to live. Here are 10 of the most important things to know about moving to Montana from Texas.
Moving Costs From Texas to Montana
Moving from Texas to Montana can be an exciting time, but overspending on your moving budget definitely won’t be. That is why Ward North American provides you with a reliable, accurate, and comprehensive quote for your moving services. Check out the average costs of moving with us, and then call us for a free quote tailored to your moving plans.
Moving Estimates
| FROM | TO | Studio Apartment | 1 Large Bedroom | 2 Bedrooms | 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bedrooms |
| TX | MT | $2,000-$4,000 | $2,700-$5,200 | $3,000-$6,000 | $4,000-$7,000 | $5,000-$9,000 |
Higher Cost of Living
When it comes to making your paycheck stretch, and having disposable income with which to enjoy life, the cost of living in your home state is an important consideration. Texas is among the most affordable states in the nation. Its overall cost of living is 6.1 percent lower than the national average, and everything from groceries to healthcare, utilities to housing, cost less than the national average. Housing is especially affordable in Texas, coming in at 15.7 percent less than the national average.
Montana’s cost of living is still affordable compared to the national average, but most essentials cost more than in Texas. These include groceries, healthcare, and housing. At 16.1 percent higher than Texas’ housing, the Montana housing market will require careful planning and a significant investment, so you may need to plan ahead. The good news is that utilities and transportation both cost less in Montana, which can help you save on your monthly budget.
Driver’s License / Vehicle Registration
Montana’s process for obtaining a driver’s license as a new resident is straightforward, and with 60 days to do so, you have time to get settled before collecting your paperwork and visiting a local motor vehicle division (MVD). All you need to do is bring your out-of-state license, your Social Security number, and relevant identifying documents. You will also need to apply for a title and register your vehicle within 60 days of becoming a Montana resident.
Gun Laws/Reciprocity
Montana makes it easy to move your guns from Texas to Montana. With a reciprocity agreement in place between the two states, Montana recognizes concealed carry permits from Texas. That means you can bring your concealed carry weapon with you to your new state without worrying about obtaining a new permit.
Montana also has very generous gun laws that make it easy to purchase, and carry, a weapon in the state. That means you can buy a gun from a private individual without getting a permit, and you can openly carry in Montana without a permit as well.
Politics
Texas is known for being a conservative state with strong Republican leanings. When you move from Texas to Montana, you should feel politically right at home. Montana has a strong Republican record of voting and a tendency to embrace conservative viewpoints and policies.
If you prefer a more progressive culture, consider relocating to the western side of the state. In cities such as Missoula, you will find a more liberal culture that can fit with your progressive viewpoints. With the potential to live in both conservative and liberal areas, Montana can be a welcoming place for individuals from all over the political spectrum.
Lower Taxes
Taxes are another important factor in how far your paycheck will go. Both Texas and Montana have reasonable tax rates that lead to a lower tax burden for their residents. However, Montana’s overall tax burden is only 7.39 percent, while Texas’ overall tax burden is 8.22 percent. In addition, Montana has no state sales tax, while Texas has a sales tax of 6.25 percent. With a lower tax burden, Montana can make it easier to hold on to more of your pay and afford more of the things that make life enjoyable.
Sports
The sports culture in Texas is a vibrant and dedicated one. Whether you love NFL football (Go Cowboys), college football (Longhorns vs. Aggies, for example), MLB baseball (Go Rangers and Astros!), or NBA basketball (Go Houston Rockets!), you can find an exciting sports scene throughout the state of Texas.
One of the biggest cultural differences you will observe when moving from Texas to Montana is the change in the sports scene. Montana does not have any professional sports teams in the state, due in part to their smaller, spread out population. In addition, the state experiences short summers and cold winters that make it difficult to fit in a full MLB season.
However, you can find minor league baseball teams and minor league hockey teams in the state, so moving here will not completely cut you off from the sports you love. You just need to be ready to accept a state where they are more difficult to access and less central to the state’s identity.
Education
When it comes to obtaining a quality education, Montana and Texas both have a lot to offer you. Montana ranks 32nd in the nation, while Texas ranks 35th. They rank similarly for both safety and the quality of education they offer. In addition, you can find school districts and institutions of higher education that excel beyond the state average in both states. That means that with a little research, you can settle in an area that gives you access to the kind of education you and your family need to pursue your goals.
Jobs
With an economy that grew 6.7 percent in 2021, you should have little trouble finding a job in Montana. What you may want to consider is how far you will need to commute to get to the jobs you want. With wide open country and a relatively sparse population, long commutes tend to be fairly normal in the state. Here are some of the most vibrant industries in the state:
- Finance
- Real Estate
- Healthcare
- Education
- Leisure Activities
- Office Administration
Weather and Outdoors
Montana’s weather is significantly different from Texas’ weather. You will notice the biggest change in the winters. The state boasts an average of 49 inches of snow every year, and winter days are routinely close to or below freezing. That means preparing for your move to Montana from Texas by packing (or buying) some hearty winter clothes and investing in a vehicle that can handle some snow driving. You will be rewarded for enduring cold winters, though, by beautiful mild summers that rarely get above 90 degrees.
That beautiful weather makes it easy to enjoy this wide open state. Here you can find everything from mountains to valleys, rivers to plains. Explore the state’s caves. Take in Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and other expansive preserves and attractions.
You may even be able to find a ranch where you can participate in old-fashioned cattle drives and begin to experience firsthand the enchantment of the open plains and the great West. In between outdoor adventures, enjoy ample opportunities to walk, bike, hike, and enjoy the outdoors right in your own neighborhood or city. Outdoor adventure is always abundant, and unforgettable, in Big Sky Country.
Montana has many exciting opportunities to offer those who move there. If you are considering a move from Texas to Montana, call the movers who can make the move itself a stress-free way to transition to a rewarding new life. Ward North American is ready to use our professional-strength moving services to help you.
