Factors influencing moving costs from Sacramento to Austintoggle

The cost of Sacramento movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Sacramento to Austin can be as low as $1,585 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 10,878.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Sacramento, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,292 to $3,115. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

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, itโ€™s 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 youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll 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 youโ€™re 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.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the cityโ€™s 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, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Austin. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll 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 cityโ€™s 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.

Helpful moving resources