Factors influencing moving costs from Seattle to Austintoggle

The cost of Seattle 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 Seattle to Austin can be as low as $1,820 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 14,575.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Seattle, 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 $1,511 to $3,655. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Seattle to Austin

Moving from Seattle to Austin means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Seattle than in Austin, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Seattle compares to Austin so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Seattle Austin
Average rent cost $1,975 $1,765
Average home value $842,068 $508,841
Average income (per capita) $77,845 $68,258
Cost of living (single person) $3,740 $3,345
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,801 $7,815
Unemployment rate 4.8% 3.5%
Sales tax 10.35% 8.25%
State income tax 0.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Austin are 11% lower than in Seattle, 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 Austin.
    Home prices in Austin are 39.6% lower than in Seattle.
  • Income in Austin is 12.3% lower than in Seattle, 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.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Austin is 10.6% lower than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Austin is 20.3% lower than in Seattle.
  • The unemployment rate in Austin is 27.08% lower than in Seattle.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Austin are 20.29% lower than in Seattle.
  • State income taxes are the same in Austin and Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,683.16 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. Austin

Austin Seattle
Population 974,447 737,015
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 42 74
Bike friendliness score 54 71
Crime Index 42.91 58.88
Safety Index 59.87 49.23
Air Quality Good Good
  • Austin's population is about 32% greater than Seattle.
  • Austin's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Seattle's higher score of 8.
  • Austin is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 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 Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
  • Austin's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 42.91 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
  • Austin is considered to be safer than Seattle with a safety index of 59.87 vs Seattle's 49.23.
  • Air quality in Austin is good, and in Seattle it's good.

Other things to consider for your Seattle 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s 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 companyโ€™s license in Texas, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Texas doesnโ€™t 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, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Austin. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll 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 cityโ€™s 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 Seattle to Austin?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Austin?

Because most people are moving from Seattle 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 Seattle to Austin take?

The 2,128-mile move from Seattle, WA, to Austin, TX, takes six to 17 days. Some Seattle 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