Help IL Nurse living CC Texas is it worth it!

I am a RN with over 15years experience in Home health and Case managment. Did some occupational health also. Took 1 year off been living in corpus christi, Texas. Was looking to get my texas licnese but they want $174 dollors just for application. Do not know how long it takes I seem to meet all the qualifications but is it worth it. Looking at some other posts makes me think the paid here is substandard. I have my BSN and with my experence I expect to make a least $25 / hour can I make that here? how is the job market here? I like the beach and the warm winters but I also like to be paid well. Re thinking about moving back to IL.