Factors influencing moving costs from Scottsdale to Austin
What to know before moving from Scottsdale to Austin
Moving from Scottsdale to Austin means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Scottsdale than in Austin, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Scottsdale compares to Austin so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Scottsdale | Austin | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $3,300 | $1,765 |
Average home value | $827,308 | $508,841 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,533 | $68,258 |
Cost of living (single person) | $5,753 | $3,345 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,570 | $7,815 |
Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 3.5% |
Sales tax | 8.05% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 2.5% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Austin are 47% lower than in Scottsdale, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Austin.
Home prices in Austin are 38.5% lower than in Scottsdale. - Income in Austin is 5.8% higher than in Scottsdale, 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.
- The cost of living for a single person in Austin is 41.9% lower than in Scottsdale. 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 71.0% higher than in Scottsdale.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is 25.53% lower than in Scottsdale.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the cityโs sales taxes in Austin are 2.48% higher than in Scottsdale.
- One perk of moving to Austin is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Scottsdale.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,744.31 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Scottsdale.
How life is different in Scottsdale vs. Austin
Austin | Scottsdale | |
---|---|---|
Population | 974,447 | 241,361 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 5 |
Walkability score | 42 | 32 |
Bike friendliness score | 54 | 56 |
Crime Index | 42.91 | 25.8 |
Safety Index | 59.87 | 74.2 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Austin's population is about 304% greater than Scottsdale.
- Austin's public transportation has a similar score to Scottsdale.
- Austin is more walkable than Scottsdale with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Scottsdale's 32 out of 100.
- Both Austin and Scottsdale have the same bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, meaning Austin is about as safe for cyclists as Scottsdale. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Austin's crime rate is higher than Scottsdale with a score of 42.91 compared to Scottsdale's 25.8. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Scottsdale neighborhoods are safer than 25.8%.
- Austin is considered to be less safe than Scottsdale with a score of 59.87 vs Scottsdale's 74.2.
- Air quality in Austin is good, and in Scottsdale it's good.
Other things to consider for your Scottsdale 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
Now that you've made the move to Texas, itโs the perfect time to explore Austin. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Austin, such as 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 along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Round Rock Express, Austin Spurs, Texas Stars, or Austin Outlaws game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Austin?
The best time to move from Scottsdale to Austin is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Scottsdale.
When is the cheapest time to move from Scottsdale to Austin?
Because most people are moving from Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale to Austin take?
The 1,010-mile move from Scottsdale, AZ, to Austin, TX, takes two to eight days. Some Scottsdale movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Austin.