Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Wichita to Austin
What to know before moving from Wichita to Austin
Moving from Wichita to Austin comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Austin is generally more expensive than Wichita, 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:
| Wichita | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $930 | $1,765 |
| Average home value | $190,905 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,712 | $68,258 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,107 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,818 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 5.7% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Austin are 90% higher than in Wichita, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Wichita.
Home prices in Austin are 166.5% higher than in Wichita. - Income in Austin is 12.4% higher than in Wichita, 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 58.8% higher than in Wichita. 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 34.3% higher than in Wichita.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is 40.68% lower than in Wichita.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the cityโs sales taxes in Austin are 10.00% higher than in Wichita.
- One perk of moving to Austin is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Wichita.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,762.70 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Wichita.
How life is different in Wichita vs. Austin
| Austin | Wichita | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 397,532 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 44 |
| Crime Index | 42.91 | 49.19 |
| Safety Index | 59.87 | 50.81 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Austin's population is about 145% greater than Wichita.
- Austin's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Wichita's lower score of 3.
- Austin is more walkable than Wichita with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Wichita's 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 54 out of 100, Austin is more bike-friendly than Wichita, which has a score of 44 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Austin's crime rate is lower than Wichita with a score of 42.91 compared to Wichita's 49.19. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Wichita neighborhoods are safer than 49.19%.
- Austin is considered to be safer than Wichita with a safety index of 59.87 vs Wichita's 50.81.
- Air quality in Austin is good, and in Wichita it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Wichita 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Texas doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Austin. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Austin
Ready to relocate to "ATX"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
After getting comfortable in your new Texas home, itโs time to see what Austin is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Austin include museums and art centers like 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 and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on 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 Wichita to Austin?
The best time to move from Wichita to Austin is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Wichita.
When is the cheapest time to move from Wichita to Austin?
Because most people are moving from Wichita 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 Wichita to Austin take?
The 546-mile move from Wichita, KS, to Austin, TX, takes one to six days. Some Wichita movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Austin.
