Factors influencing moving costs from Sacramento to Austin
What to know before moving from Sacramento to Austin
Moving from Sacramento to Austin comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Austin is generally more expensive than Sacramento, 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:
Sacramento | Austin | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,899 | $1,765 |
Average home value | $476,699 | $508,841 |
Average income (per capita) | $78,954 | $68,258 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,656 | $3,345 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,191 | $7,815 |
Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 3.5% |
Sales tax | 8.75% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Austin are 7% lower than in Sacramento, 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 Sacramento.
Home prices in Austin are 6.7% higher than in Sacramento. - Income in Austin is 13.5% lower than in Sacramento, so you could earn less 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 25.9% higher than in Sacramento. 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 26.2% higher than in Sacramento.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is 54.55% lower than in Sacramento.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the cityโs sales taxes in Austin are 5.71% lower than in Sacramento.
- One perk of moving to Austin is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Sacramento.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,778.24 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Sacramento.
How life is different in Sacramento vs. Austin
Austin | Sacramento | |
---|---|---|
Population | 974,447 | 524,943 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
Walkability score | 42 | 49 |
Bike friendliness score | 54 | 67 |
Crime Index | 42.91 | 49.21 |
Safety Index | 59.87 | 50.79 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Austin's population is about 86% greater than Sacramento.
- Austin's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Sacramento's higher score of 6.
- Austin is less walkable than Sacramento with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Sacramento's 49 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 Sacramento, which has a score of 67 out of 100.
- Austin's crime rate is lower than Sacramento with a score of 42.91 compared to Sacramento's 49.21. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Sacramento neighborhoods are safer than 49.21%.
- Austin is considered to be safer than Sacramento with a safety index of 59.87 vs Sacramento's 50.79.
- Air quality in Austin is good, and in Sacramento it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Sacramento 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 Sacramento to Austin?
The best time to move from Sacramento to Austin is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Sacramento.
When is the cheapest time to move from Sacramento to Austin?
Because most people are moving from Sacramento 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 Sacramento to Austin take?
The 1,760-mile move from Sacramento, CA, to Austin, TX, takes five to 16 days. Some Sacramento movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Austin.