Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Austin
What to know before moving from Portland to Austin
Moving from Portland to Austin comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Austin is generally more expensive than Portland, 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:
Portland | Austin | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,530 | $1,765 |
Average home value | $522,596 | $508,841 |
Average income (per capita) | $85,876 | $68,258 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,572 | $3,345 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,077 | $7,815 |
Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 3.5% |
Sales tax | 0.0% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 9.9% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Austin are 15% higher than in Portland, 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 Austin.
Home prices in Austin are 2.6% lower than in Portland. - Income in Austin is 20.5% lower than in Portland, 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 30.1% higher than in Portland. 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 28.6% higher than in Portland.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is 49.28% lower than in Portland.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the cityโs sales taxes in Austin are 8.25% higher than in Portland.
- One perk of moving to Austin is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Portland.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,901.63 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.
How life is different in Portland vs. Austin
Austin | Portland | |
---|---|---|
Population | 974,447 | 652,503 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 8 |
Walkability score | 42 | 81 |
Bike friendliness score | 54 | 92 |
Crime Index | 42.91 | 57.37 |
Safety Index | 59.87 | 42.63 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Austin's population is about 49% greater than Portland.
- Austin's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 8.
- Austin is less walkable than Portland with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 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 Portland, which has a score of 92 out of 100.
- Austin's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 42.91 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
- Austin is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 59.87 vs Portland's 42.63.
- Air quality in Austin is good, and in Portland it's good.
Other things to consider for your Portland 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Texas, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toAustin Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Austin
Now that youโve chosen "ATX" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Austin to check out.
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 Portland to Austin?
The best time to move from Portland to Austin is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Austin?
Because most people are moving from Portland 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 Portland to Austin take?
The 2,054-mile move from Portland, OR, to Austin, TX, takes six to 17 days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Austin.