Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Mesa to Austin
What to know before moving from Mesa to Austin
Moving from Mesa to Austin comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Austin is generally more expensive than Mesa, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Mesa | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,786 | $1,765 |
| Average home value | $432,892 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,524 | $68,258 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,416 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,566 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.3% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Austin are 1% lower than in Mesa, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Mesa.
Home prices in Austin are 17.5% higher than in Mesa. - Income in Austin is 5.8% higher than in Mesa, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Austin include Keller Williams Realty, Whole Foods Market, and Arrow Value Recovery.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Austin, since the cost of living for a single person in Austin is 38.5% higher than in Mesa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Austin, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Austin is 40.4% higher than in Mesa.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is 42.62% lower than in Mesa.
- Sales taxes are the same in Austin and Mesa.
- One perk of moving to Austin is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Mesa.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,153.56 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mesa.
How life is different in Mesa vs. Austin
| Austin | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 504,258 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 38 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 60 |
| Crime Index | 42.91 | 44.67 |
| Safety Index | 59.87 | 55.33 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Austin's population is about 93% greater than Mesa.
- Austin's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Mesa's lower score of 4.
- Austin is more walkable than Mesa with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Mesa's 38 out of 100.
- Austin has a bike-friendliness score 54 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Mesa, which has a score of 60 out of 100.
- Austin and Mesa have a similar crime rate.
- Austin is considered to be safer than Mesa with a safety index of 59.87 vs Mesa's 55.33.
- Air quality in Austin is good, and in Mesa it's good.
Other things to consider for your Mesa vs. Austin move
- Weather: Austin has mild winters and hot summers, the rainiest months are typically May, June, and October so your move may be affected in these months.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Austin. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Austin
Now that you've decided to make the move to "ATX", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Austin.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cherrywood
- North University
- Old West Austin
- South Lamar
- Zilker
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rollingwood
- West Lake
- Brushy Creek
- Cedar Park
- Shady Hollow
Things to do in Austin
Once youโre settled into your new home in Texas, itโs time to get out and discover what Austin has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Austin features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Thinkery, Blanton Museum of Art, and Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Round Rock Express, Austin Spurs, Texas Stars, or Austin Outlaws game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Mesa to Austin?
The best time to move from Mesa to Austin is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Mesa.
When is the cheapest time to move from Mesa to Austin?
Because most people are moving from Mesa to Austin in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Mesa to Austin take?
The 1,006-mile move from Mesa, AZ, to Austin, TX, takes two to eight days. Some Mesa movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Austin.
