Factors influencing moving costs from Ann Arbor to Austintoggle

The cost of Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor to Austin can be as low as $1,554 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 10,346.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Ann Arbor, 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 $970 to $2,361. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Austin

Moving from Ann Arbor to Austin comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Austin is generally more expensive than Ann Arbor, 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:

Ann Arbor Austin
Average rent cost $2,260 $1,765
Average home value $474,909 $508,841
Average income (per capita) $66,964 $68,258
Cost of living (single person) $2,176 $3,345
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,344 $7,815
Unemployment rate 3.5% 3.5%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.25%
State income tax 4.25% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Austin are 22% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor.
    Home prices in Austin are 7.1% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • Income in Austin is 1.9% higher than in Ann Arbor, 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 53.7% higher than in Ann Arbor. 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 46.2% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • The unemployment rate in Austin and Ann Arbor.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Austin are 37.50% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • One perk of moving to Austin is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Ann Arbor.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,611.67 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.

How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Austin

Austin Ann Arbor
Population 974,447 123,851
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 7
Walkability score 42 52
Bike friendliness score 54 71
Crime Index 42.91 31.0
Safety Index 59.87 79.18
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Austin's population is about 687% greater than Ann Arbor.
  • Austin's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's higher score of 7.
  • Austin is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 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 Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
  • Austin's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 42.91 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
  • Austin is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 59.87 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
  • Air quality in Austin is good, and in Ann Arbor it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor 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\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s 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. Youโ€™ll 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, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Austin has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re 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 cityโ€™s 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 Ann Arbor to Austin?

The best time to move from Ann Arbor to Austin is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Ann Arbor.

When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Austin?

Because most people are moving from Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor to Austin take?

The 1,332-mile move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Austin, TX, takes three to eight days. Some Ann Arbor 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