Factors influencing moving costs from Nashville to Austin
What to know before moving from Nashville to Austin
Moving from Nashville to Austin comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Austin is generally more expensive than Nashville, 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:
Nashville | Austin | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,971 | $1,765 |
Average home value | $428,678 | $508,841 |
Average income (per capita) | $79,020 | $68,258 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,108 | $3,345 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,447 | $7,815 |
Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 3.5% |
Sales tax | 9.75% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Austin are 11% lower than in Nashville, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Nashville.
Home prices in Austin are 18.7% higher than in Nashville. - Income in Austin is 13.6% lower than in Nashville, 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 7.6% higher than in Nashville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Austin is 7.5% lower than in Nashville.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is 22.22% lower than in Nashville.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the cityโs sales taxes in Austin are 15.38% lower than in Nashville.
- State income taxes are the same in Austin and Nashville.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,228.76 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Nashville.
How life is different in Nashville vs. Austin
Austin | Nashville | |
---|---|---|
Population | 974,447 | 689,447 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
Walkability score | 42 | 96 |
Bike friendliness score | 54 | 72 |
Crime Index | 42.91 | 49.1 |
Safety Index | 59.87 | 50.9 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Austin's population is about 41% greater than Nashville.
- Austin's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Nashville's lower score of 4.
- Austin is less walkable than Nashville with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Nashville's 96 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 Nashville, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
- Austin's crime rate is lower than Nashville with a score of 42.91 compared to Nashville's 49.1. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Nashville neighborhoods are safer than 49.1%.
- Austin is considered to be safer than Nashville with a safety index of 59.87 vs Nashville's 50.9.
- Air quality in Austin is good, and in Nashville it's good.
Other things to consider for your Nashville 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Texas, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Texas doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Austin without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Austin
With your sights set on "ATX", these are some of the most popular 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 Nashville to Austin?
The best time to move from Nashville to Austin is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Nashville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Nashville to Austin?
Because most people are moving from Nashville 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 Nashville to Austin take?
The 859-mile move from Nashville, TN, to Austin, TX, takes two to seven days. Some Nashville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Austin.