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Things to know before moving from Washington to Austin, TX
Cost of living: Washington vs Austin, TX
| Washington | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,900 | $1,765 |
| Average home value | $588,856 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $90,325 | $68,258 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 4% |
| State income tax | 0% | 0% |
Austin sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 7% less expensive in Austin than in Washington.
- Home prices are about 14% lower in Austin than in Washington.
- The average income is about 24% lower in Austin than in Washington.
- Austin has a lower unemployment rate than Washington by about 27%.
- Income taxes are the same in Austin and Washington.
How life is different in Austin from Washington
| Austin | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 7,812,880 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 71-26 | Democratic |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 79ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 35" | 38" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 18" |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 37.32 |
Austin sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Austin is approximately 88% lower than the population of Washington.
- In the last presidential election, Austin voted Democrat and Washington voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Austin is 96ºF and in Washington, it’s 79ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Austin reaches the temperature of 38ºF and Washington gets down to 31ºF.
- You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Austin vs 38 inches of rainfall in Washington.
- In Austin, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 18 inches of snow in Washington.
- Austin has a higher crime rate than Washington with a crime index of 42.91 vs 37.32.
Things to do in Austin
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Austin.
Museums in Austin
Parks in Austin
Sports Teams in Austin
Universities in Austin
Other considerations when moving to Austin, TX
- 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Texas. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Compare the pros and cons of Washington vs. Austin, TX
Comparing the pros of Washington vs. Austin, TX:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Washington vs Austin side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Washington | Pros of living in Austin, TX |
|---|---|
| Beautiful landscapes | Delicious barbecue |
| Ample economic opportunity | Phenomenal live music |
| High quality of life | Relaxed atmosphere |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Amazing festivals |
| Delicious seafood | Abundant lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in Washington vs. Austin, TX:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Washington for Austin.
| Cons of living in Washington | Cons of living in Austin, TX |
|---|---|
| Constant rain | Hot summers |
| Bad traffic | Terrible traffic |
| High cost of living | Limited sports and art venues |
| High crime rate | High cost of living |
| Natural disasters | Xenophobic locals |
FAQ
How long does a move from Washington to Austin take?
The time frame for a move from Washington to Austin, TX, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Washington, the longer the drive time to Austin will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Austin from Washington can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Washington to Austin?
Because of the 2094-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Washington to Austin as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Austin, TX?
With the summer highs of 96ºF and the winter lows of 38ºF, most people move to Austin from Washington during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Austin during summer or winter.
