How I Escaped California and Saved $217,000 in 18 Months
In 2024, my wife and I were making $185K combined in Sacramento. We had $12,000 in savings, a $3,400/month apartment, and a 2-hour commute. We couldn't afford to buy a home — not even close. California had us stuck on a treadmill going nowhere.
Sound familiar? If you're making six figures in a high-cost state and still feel broke, you're not failing — you're just in the wrong zip code. Let me show you exactly what we did, what it cost, and how we ended up with a 4-bedroom house, $0 state income tax, and $1,800 more in our pocket every month.
💡 The Math That Changed Everything
When I finally sat down and compared our California costs to Texas, I almost fell out of my chair. Not just the big stuff — every single line item told the same story:
| Expense | California | Texas | Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax (on $185K) | $1,250/mo | $0 | +$1,250 |
| Housing (rent → mortgage) | $3,400 (2BR apt) | $2,100 (4BR house) | +$1,300 |
| Car Insurance (2 cars) | $420 | $280 | +$140 |
| Gas/Commute | $380 | $160 | +$220 |
| Childcare | $2,200 | $1,400 | +$800 |
| Property Tax | — | $450/mo | -$450 |
| NET MONTHLY SAVINGS | +$3,260 |
$3,260/month × 18 months = $58,680 in pure savings
Plus $158K in home equity from buying at $334K (now appraised at $492K). Total: $217,000.
🗺️ The 5-Step Playbook We Used
Got Pre-Approved Before We Even Picked a City
We talked to a mortgage broker who specialized in out-of-state buyers (not a big bank). They ran our numbers, told us exactly what we qualified for in Texas, and connected us with local agents in 3 cities. Total time: 20 minutes.
Chose DFW Over Austin (the contrarian play)
Everyone said Austin. But the data showed DFW had better schools, lower prices, and stronger job growth. Median home in DFW: $334K. Austin: $445K. Same income, way more house.
Used a USDA Loan for $0 Down
Our broker found a USDA-eligible area 25 minutes from downtown. $0 down payment. $0 PMI after year one. We kept our savings intact while buying a home that California would have priced at $850K.
Negotiated $15K in Seller Concessions
Texas is a buyer's market in 2025-2026. 3.2 months of inventory means sellers are motivated. We got closing costs covered plus a rate buydown.
Moved with a Tax Strategy
We timed our move to January 1st to maximize the full year of $0 state income tax. Our CPA said that one decision alone saved us $12,500 in our first year.
🤝 Why Having the Right Guide Matters
I made two critical mistakes that nearly cost us tens of thousands. First, I almost used my Sacramento mortgage lender — who didn't know Texas programs and would have missed the USDA eligibility. Second, I almost bought in an HOA-heavy area with $380/month fees that my online research didn't surface.
The mortgage broker who saved our move was licensed in both states, knew the local markets, spoke Spanish (huge plus for my wife's family), and ran scenarios I never would have found on Zillow. That's the difference between googling and having a guide.
📊 The Results After 18 Months
Our kids are in an A-rated school. We have a backyard for the first time. My wife planted a garden. I work from home 3 days a week and hit zero traffic the other 2. We go back to visit family in Sacramento and everyone asks the same thing: "How did you do it?"