Moving to Austin, TX
Thinking about moving to Austin, TX? Here's the practical picture: the cost of living runs at an index of 103 (100 is the national average), a typical two-bedroom rents for about $1,950/month, summers average 81°F, and Texas has no state income tax. Below: cost of living, climate, utilities, the best time to move, and popular routes into Austin.
- Cost of living
- 103
- Typical 2BR rent
- $1,950/mo
- Avg summer high
- 81°F
- Avg winter low
- 60°F
Cost of living in Austin
Austin's cost-of-living index is 103 against a national baseline of 100, and a two-bedroom rental averages roughly $1,950 per month. Texas levies a top income tax rate of 0% and an average combined sales tax of 8.2%. Build your first-year budget around these figures, not just the cost of the move.
Climate and best time to move
Expect average summer highs near 81°F, winter lows around 60°F, and about 34.3 inches of precipitation a year in Austin. Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher. Weather is moderate most of the year; any off-peak month works well.
Setting up utilities in Austin
Line up your utilities before move day. In the Austin–Round Rock area that typically means Austin Energy, Texas Gas Service, Austin Water. Schedule electricity and gas to turn on the day before you arrive so you never walk into a dark home.
Popular routes to Austin
Licensed movers in Texas
Our licensed-carrier database is still populating for this lane. Request a free quote and we'll match you with verified, FMCSA-licensed movers.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Austin expensive to live in?
- Austin has a cost-of-living index of 103 (100 = US average), with typical 2BR rent around $1,950/month.
- What's the weather like in Austin?
- Summer highs average 81°F, winter lows about 60°F, with roughly 34.3 inches of annual precipitation.
- When is the best time to move to Austin?
- Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher.
Moving to Austin?
Get free, non-binding quotes from licensed movers.
Sources
- MERIC / BestPlaces metro cost index, 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
- Zillow Observed Rent Index (metro), 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
- NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals — retrieved 2026-01-15
- Tax Foundation, 2025 State Tax Data — retrieved 2026-01-15