IAH

Houston

Texas, United States

Arriving, settling in and working in Houston: what official sources say, in the order you’ll need it. Every point links to the page it came from.

Plan my move to Houston Read the guide ↓

Photo: Dennis Lamberth / Unsplash

Guide sections12

Sourced facts64

Last verified1 Nov 2026

Areas with rent8

Decide

Is this the right city for us?

Houston at a glance

The basics about Houston, plus official sources for time, weather and living costs.

The city uses Central Time. In 2026, daylight saving time runs from 8 March to 1 November; clocks change at 2 a.m.
nist.gov ↗
For official forecasts and weather warnings, use the National Weather Service forecast office for Houston/Galveston.
weather.gov ↗
Zumper's rent data for Houston lists an average of $1,103 a month for a 1-bedroom and $1,420 for a 2-bedroom (page updated 1 November 2026).
zumper.com ↗
In Sugar Land, Zumper lists $1,288 for a 1-bedroom and $1,690 for a 2-bedroom (31 October 2026).
zumper.com ↗

External links

Zumper Houston rent data ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Laws and customs

Texas rules that often surprise newcomers.

The Texas state sales tax is 6.25%. Local bodies can add up to 2%, for a maximum combined rate of 8.25%.
comptroller.texas.gov ↗
Texas allows only low-THC cannabis, by prescription through the Compassionate Use Program, bought from a licensed dispensing organisation.
dps.texas.gov ↗
Texas law bans smoking even prescribed low-THC cannabis.
dps.texas.gov ↗
To drive, you need at least $30,000 of liability cover per injured person, $60,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage.
txdmv.gov ↗

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Houston's 311 help line answers City questions 24/7: dial 311 or 713.837.0311.
311.houstontx.gov ↗
For mental health or suicide crisis support, call 988 or chat at chat.988lifeline.org. It is free, confidential and open 24/7.
988lifeline.org ↗

External links

Sales tax FAQs (Texas Comptroller) ↗988 Lifeline ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving in Houston

Getting from IAH into the city, and your first admin steps.

METRO's 500 Downtown Direct bus runs from Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to downtown Houston, about every 30 minutes for most operating hours.
ridemetro.org ↗
The 500 costs $4.50, or $2.25 with a RideMETRO Discounted Fare Card.
ridemetro.org ↗
You can tap a Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover card, or Apple Pay or Google Pay, on METRO validators. Each rider must pay separately.
ridemetro.org ↗
If you are not a US citizen, you must report each change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. A US Postal Service change of address does not update USCIS. A and G visa holders and visa waiver visitors are exempt.
uscis.gov ↗

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If your Social Security number was not requested with your visa or green card application, the SSA suggests waiting 10 days after arrival before you apply, so your documents can be verified.
ssa.gov ↗

External links

Airport bus (METRO) ↗METRO fares ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Getting around

METRO buses, METRORail and fares.

A local bus or METRORail ride costs $1.25 (60 cents discounted). Children aged five or younger ride free with an adult.
ridemetro.org ↗
Pay with a RideMETRO Fare Card, a bank card, a phone wallet or a pass to get free transfers between local bus and METRORail for up to three hours.
ridemetro.org ↗
A $3 Day Pass gives unlimited local bus and METRORail rides until 2 a.m. the next day. It is not valid on Park & Ride buses.
ridemetro.org ↗
The reusable RideMETRO Fare Card costs $2; a virtual card in the RideMETRO app is free. Card users get one free ride after every ten paid rides.
ridemetro.org ↗

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Park & Ride fares range from $2 to $4.50 depending on where you board.
ridemetro.org ↗
You can pay cash on buses, but no change is given and transfers aren't included.
ridemetro.org ↗
Seniors aged 70 and over and qualified veterans ride free; students and seniors aged 65–69 pay half with a Discount Fare Card.
ridemetro.org ↗

External links

METRO fares ↗All about fares (METRO) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods and housing

Deposits and renting rules in Texas.

Zumper's Greater Heights page lists an average of $1,569 a month for a 1-bedroom and $2,282 for a 2-bedroom (31 October 2026).
zumper.com ↗
A Texas landlord must refund your security deposit on or before the 30th day after you move out (Property Code §92.103).
guides.sll.texas.gov ↗
The landlord does not have to refund the deposit or list deductions until you give a written forwarding address. You keep the right to a refund even if you don't.
guides.sll.texas.gov ↗
Deductions for repairs must be itemised in writing, and the landlord cannot keep money for normal wear and tear.
guides.sll.texas.gov ↗

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Outside public or subsidised housing, Texas law sets no limit on how much a landlord can charge as a security deposit.
texaslawhelp.org ↗
If a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit, you can sue for three times the amount withheld; claims under $20,000 can go to justice court.
guides.sll.texas.gov ↗

External links

Security deposit refunds (Texas State Law Library) ↗Zumper Houston rent data ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Schools

Enrolling children in Houston ISD schools.

If your child has never been enrolled in an HISD school, complete the online enrolment using the new student pathway.
houstonisd.org ↗
Choose between your K-12 zoned neighbourhood school and the Specialty & Magnet Schools path. Pre-K has its own enrolment link.
houstonisd.org ↗
For enrolment help, email enroll@houstonisd.org.
houstonisd.org ↗
The district's main phone number is 713-556-6000.
houstonisd.org ↗

External links

Enroll (Houston ISD) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Healthcare

Health insurance and low-cost care in Houston.

Texans buy individual health plans on HealthCare.gov during open enrollment or a special enrollment period, and may qualify for tax credits. The Texas Department of Insurance help line is 800-252-3439.
tdi.texas.gov ↗
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from 1 November 2026 to 15 January 2027. Enrol by 15 December for coverage starting 1 January.
healthcare.gov ↗
Moving counts as a life change that can let you enrol outside open enrollment.
healthcare.gov ↗
Harris Health's Financial Assistance Program is for Harris County residents with household income up to 150% of the federal poverty level. Apply online, by mail or at a drop box in a Harris Health center.
harrishealth.org ↗

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There is no fee to apply. If anyone asks you for money to complete or approve an application, report it on 844-565-0621. Eligibility call center: 713-566-6509.
harrishealth.org ↗
For help with state benefits or the Your Texas Benefits website, call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905.
yourtexasbenefits.com ↗

External links

HealthCare.gov dates ↗Harris Health eligibility ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Banking and ID

Social Security numbers, tax IDs and bank accounts.

Noncitizens can usually get a Social Security number only if DHS has authorised them to work. Applying is free; you start online and then visit a Social Security office within 45 days with original documents.
ssa.gov ↗
If you are not eligible for a Social Security number but need a US tax number, apply for an ITIN using IRS Form W-7.
irs.gov ↗
To open a bank account you usually need photo ID (some banks accept a foreign passport or consular ID), proof of address and an SSN or ITIN. Without an SSN or ITIN you may only be able to open a no-interest account.
files.consumerfinance.gov ↗
Bank deposits are insured by the FDIC up to at least $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, at each insured bank.
fdic.gov ↗

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Ask a bank in advance whether it accepts your foreign passport or consular ID, and check minimum balance, ATM and overdraft fees.
files.consumerfinance.gov ↗

External links

SSN for noncitizens (SSA) ↗Opening an account (CFPB) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Driving and cars

Licences, registration and insurance.

You can drive on a valid licence from another US state, US territory, Canadian province or qualifying country for up to 90 days after moving to Texas.
dps.texas.gov ↗
With a licence from another US state, US territory or Canada, you surrender it and don't need to take the knowledge or skills test.
dps.texas.gov ↗
Texas has licence reciprocity with France, Germany, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan, so tests can be waived for valid licences from those countries. Licences not in English or Spanish must be translated.
dps.texas.gov ↗
Register your vehicles with the Texas DMV before you apply for a Texas licence.
dps.texas.gov ↗

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Register your vehicle within 30 days of moving, at your county tax assessor-collector office. In listed emissions counties you must pass an emissions test first.
txdmv.gov ↗
Driver licence offices serve customers by appointment only; same-day slots may be available at some offices. A licence is valid for up to eight years.
dps.texas.gov ↗
You cannot hold a Texas driver licence and a Texas ID card at the same time.
dps.texas.gov ↗

External links

Moving to Texas (DPS) ↗New to Texas (TxDMV) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Where people live in Houston

Average rent a month from official or market surveys, as of 24 Oct 2026. Asking rents for new listings are often higher.

Downtown Houston

Houston

1 bedroom$1,862

2 bedroom$2,735

SinglesNear the centreGood transit

Source: Downtown Houston rent prices — Zumper ↗

Midtown

Houston

1 bedroom$1,525

2 bedroom$1,954

SinglesNightlifeNear the centre

Source: Midtown rent prices — Zumper ↗

Montrose

Neartown, Houston

1 bedroom$1,499

2 bedroom$2,553

SinglesCouplesNightlife

Source: Neartown - Montrose rent prices — Zumper ↗

The Heights

Greater Heights, Houston

1 bedroom$1,569

2 bedroom$2,282

CouplesFamilies

Source: Greater Heights rent prices — Zumper ↗

Uptown

Great Uptown, Houston

1 bedroom$1,345

2 bedroom$1,989

CouplesSingles

Source: Great Uptown rent prices — Zumper ↗

Clear Lake

Houston

1 bedroom$1,017

2 bedroom$1,352

FamiliesLower rentQuiet

Source: Clear Lake rent prices — Zumper ↗

Eldridge–West Oaks

Houston

1 bedroom$999

2 bedroom$1,361

FamiliesLower rent

Source: Eldridge - West Oaks rent prices — Zumper ↗

Sugar Land

Separate city

1 bedroom$1,288

2 bedroom$1,690

FamiliesQuiet

Source: Sugar Land, TX rent prices — Zumper ↗

Zumper's average asking rent per month for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom homes listed on Zumper, from each neighbourhood or city page's rent table (pages updated 24 Oct to 1 Nov 2026). Asking rents for new listings..

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs and work

Pay, leave and rights at work.

Texas uses the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. With restrictions, employers can count tips and the value of meals and lodging towards it.
twc.texas.gov ↗
If you aren't paid, file a wage claim with the Texas Workforce Commission within 180 days of the date wages were due, or call 800-628-5115.
twc.texas.gov ↗
You can instead sue in civil court within two years to recover unpaid wages plus an equal amount in damages.
twc.texas.gov ↗
Under federal law, non-exempt employees must get at least time and a half for hours over 40 in a workweek.
dol.gov ↗

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The federal FMLA gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave a year. You generally need 12 months and 1,250 hours with an employer that has 50 staff within 75 miles. Wage and Hour Division: 1-866-487-9243.
dol.gov ↗

External links

Texas Minimum Wage Law (TWC) ↗FMLA (US DOL) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Universities

Major universities and help for international students.

Rice University opened in 1912 on a 300-acre campus in Houston. It has 4,776 undergraduates and 4,104 graduate students.
rice.edu ↗
The University of Houston, founded in 1927, is the largest public research university in Houston, with 48,950 students.
uh.edu ↗
UH covers 895 acres across four locations and has 8,397 beds in on-campus housing.
uh.edu ↗
International students must be accepted by an SEVP-certified school before applying for a student visa. The SEVP Response Center is on 703-603-3400, weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗

External links

Study in the States (DHS) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Communities and support

Where to get free help and connect with others.

Houston Public Library runs free classes to prepare you for the US naturalisation test and interview.
houstonlibrary.org ↗
The library's Citizenship Help offers free assistance with citizenship applications, including forms and free legal help, in English, Spanish and Chinese.
houstonlibrary.org ↗
With a library card and PIN you can learn English and other languages through Mango Languages.
houstonlibrary.org ↗
Houston Public Library's general line is 832-393-1313.
houstonlibrary.org ↗

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For City services, call 311 or 713.837.0311, any time of day.
311.houstontx.gov ↗

External links

Language and citizenship (HPL) ↗Houston 311 ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Make Houston your plan.

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