Factors influencing moving costs from New Orleans to Austin
What to know before moving from New Orleans to Austin
Moving from New Orleans to Austin comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Austin is generally more expensive than New Orleans, 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:
New Orleans | Austin | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,755 | $1,765 |
Average home value | $231,649 | $508,841 |
Average income (per capita) | $51,116 | $68,258 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,134 | $3,345 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,905 | $7,815 |
Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 3.5% |
Sales tax | 10.0% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices are the same in Austin and New Orleans.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in New Orleans.
Home prices in Austin are 119.7% higher than in New Orleans. - Income in Austin is 33.5% higher than in New Orleans, 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 6.7% higher than in New Orleans. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Austin is 1.1% lower than in New Orleans.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is 68.18% lower than in New Orleans.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the cityโs sales taxes in Austin are 17.50% lower than in New Orleans.
- One perk of moving to Austin is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in New Orleans.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,201.98 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New Orleans.
How life is different in New Orleans vs. Austin
Austin | New Orleans | |
---|---|---|
Population | 974,447 | 383,997 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 7 |
Walkability score | 42 | 58 |
Bike friendliness score | 54 | 66 |
Crime Index | 42.91 | 67.31 |
Safety Index | 59.87 | 32.69 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Austin's population is about 154% greater than New Orleans.
- Austin's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus New Orleans's higher score of 7.
- Austin is less walkable than New Orleans with a score of 42 out of 100 vs New Orleans's 58 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 New Orleans, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
- Austin's crime rate is lower than New Orleans with a score of 42.91 compared to New Orleans's 67.31. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New Orleans neighborhoods are safer than 67.31%.
- Austin is considered to be safer than New Orleans with a safety index of 59.87 vs New Orleans's 32.69.
- Air quality in Austin is good, and in New Orleans it's good.
Other things to consider for your New Orleans 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
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 New Orleans to Austin?
The best time to move from New Orleans to Austin is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in New Orleans.
When is the cheapest time to move from New Orleans to Austin?
Because most people are moving from New Orleans 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 New Orleans to Austin take?
The 511-mile move from New Orleans, LA, to Austin, TX, takes one to six days. Some New Orleans movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Austin.