Factors influencing moving costs from Baltimore to Austin
What to know before moving from Baltimore to Austin
Moving from Baltimore to Austin comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Austin is generally more expensive than Baltimore, 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:
Baltimore | Austin | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,765 |
Average home value | $180,790 | $508,841 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,349 | $68,258 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,223 | $3,345 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,088 | $7,815 |
Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 3.5% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Austin are 10% higher than in Baltimore, 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 Baltimore.
Home prices in Austin are 181.5% higher than in Baltimore. - Income in Austin is 17.0% higher than in Baltimore, 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 50.5% higher than in Baltimore. 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 53.6% higher than in Baltimore.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is 55.70% lower than in Baltimore.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the cityโs sales taxes in Austin are 37.50% higher than in Baltimore.
- One perk of moving to Austin is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Baltimore.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,514.17 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.
How life is different in Baltimore vs. Austin
Austin | Baltimore | |
---|---|---|
Population | 974,447 | 585,708 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 8 |
Walkability score | 42 | 64 |
Bike friendliness score | 54 | 53 |
Crime Index | 42.91 | 72.72 |
Safety Index | 59.87 | 27.28 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Austin's population is about 66% greater than Baltimore.
- Austin's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Baltimore's higher score of 8.
- Austin is less walkable than Baltimore with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 64 out of 100.
- Both Austin and Baltimore have the same bike-friendliness score of 53 out of 100, meaning Austin is about as safe for cyclists as Baltimore. 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 lower than Baltimore with a score of 42.91 compared to Baltimore's 72.72. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72%.
- Austin is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 59.87 vs Baltimore's 27.28.
- Air quality in Austin is good, and in Baltimore it's good.
Other things to consider for your Baltimore 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 settling into your new Texas home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Austin has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Austin is home to museums and cultural arts 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 among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer 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 Baltimore to Austin?
The best time to move from Baltimore to Austin is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Baltimore.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Austin?
Because most people are moving from Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Austin take?
The 1,560-mile move from Baltimore, MD, to Austin, TX, takes four to 15 days. Some Baltimore movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Austin.