Moving from Corpus Christi, TX to Houston, TX
Relocating between Corpus Christi, TX and Houston, TX is a 219 mi drive β 4h 27m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
219 mi Β· 4h 27m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 59, US 77, I 69 |
| Major cities en route | Pasadena, League City, Pearland, Sugar Land |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Corpus Christi | Houston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.671 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.991 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.905 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Houston runs about 6.4% more expensive overall than Corpus Christi β RPP 92.671 β 98.629.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Houston run about 6.4% pricier β ZHVI $223,502 β $264,336 (2026-03).
YoY change: Corpus Christi -1.1%, Houston -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Corpus Christi | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.1" | 54.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 71.9Β°F vs 70.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Houston sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORT ARANSAS 11 SSW, TX US, HOUSTON-PORT, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Corpus Christi | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,383 | 2,300,419 |
| Median household income | $66,325 | $62,894 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.8% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.69 | 2.51 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 6.4% lower in Houston than Corpus Christi.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Houston MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 387,430 | $41,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 305,780 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 288,170 | $27,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 269,160 | $35,450 |
| Management Occupations | 268,670 | $109,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Houston average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Houston averages 54.1 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Corpus Christi to Houston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 219 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Houston compared to Corpus Christi?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,336 in Houston vs $223,502 in Corpus Christi β a 18.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Houston, TX from Corpus Christi, TX?
The driving distance is 219 mi and the route typically takes 4h 27m via US 59 and US 77. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Houston more expensive than Corpus Christi?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Houston is 6.4% higher than Corpus Christi (98.629 vs 92.671, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Corpus Christi vs Houston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,894 in Houston vs $66,325 in Corpus Christi β a 5.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Houston compare to Corpus Christi?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Houston MSA vs $41,570 in the Corpus Christi MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 187,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Corpus Christi.
City profiles: Corpus Christi, TX Β· Houston, TX.