Considering moving to Austin? You might be joining one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. In fact, living in Austin, Texas, means sharing space with about 2.55 million other people—nearly an 11% jump from the city’s population of 2.3 million in 2020.
This kind of growth has ripple effects on everything from housing and commute times to local services, making it more important than ever to know the cost of living in Austin, Texas, and the best places to live in Austin.
Here, we break it all down for you. You’ll find information about Austin’s neighborhoods, climate, job market, schools, culture, and more. Plus, we have a few practical tips for moving to Austin for when you’re ready to make the leap.
8 Things To Know About Living in Austin, Texas
Once you’re living in Austin, Texas, you’ll quickly notice its steady growth, ever-changing neighborhoods, and strong cultural identity. The list below highlights other essentials, including the current cost of living in Austin, Texas, the housing market, typical weather patterns, and job trends.
This overview will give you a clear sense of the city before you plan your move and an idea of what life looks like once you’re settled.
1. The Cost of Living in Austin, Texas, Reflects High Demand
The cost of living in Austin, Texas, has risen as the city has grown over the last few years. Currently, it’s 29% above the national average and 37% higher than the rest of the state. While people arriving from cities like Los Angeles or Seattle will likely find Austin much more affordable, others will have some adjusting to do.
Here are a few costs for newcomers to be aware of:
- Texas has no state income tax, but the state’s property taxes are higher than many expect.
- Home insurance can cost more in Austin and other Texas cities due to hail and storm risk.
- Toll roads are common throughout Austin’s metro area.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Austin? According to MIT’s living wage calculator, a single adult with no dependents would need to make more than $50,000 a year to live comfortably, whereas the working parent for a family of three would need to make at least $103,000 to maintain that same standard of living.
2. The Best Places to Live in Austin Fit Every Lifestyle
The best neighborhoods in Austin vary widely in pace, home style, and daily routine.
Whether you want historic streets, high-rise living, or a quieter community nearby, the city (and its close neighbors) offer strong choices for families, young professionals, and retirees. Here are three of the best neighborhoods in Austin (for a breakdown, see our guide to all the best Austin neighborhoods).
Hyde Park: Best for Families
Located just north of downtown and the University of Texas at Austin campus, it’s known for its tree-lined streets, vintage homes, and a strong walkable community feel.
Hyde Park is one of the best places to live in Austin for anyone, especially young families, who appreciate its proximity to parks, local coffee shops (like Terrible Love), and excellent schools.
Downtown: Best for Young Adults
Living downtown puts you in the center of the city’s energy. The neighborhood has high-rise apartments, lots of rooftop bars (check out Zanzibar), the trail along Lady Bird Lake, and countless restaurants and entertainment venues.
If you want walkability, nightlife, and a short commute to your tech or creative job, Downtown might be hard to beat.
Georgetown: Best for Retirees
Georgetown, about 30 minutes north of Austin, appeals to retirees who want a quieter pace with city access nearby. It’s well known for communities like Sun City, Texas, which offer golf, social clubs, and walking trails.
You’ll also find local medical services and a full-service hospital nearby. Overall, the Hill Country scenery and generally manageable living costs make it a comfortable, steady place to settle close to Austin.
3. The Congress Avenue Bridge Bats Are a True Austin Quirk
A memorable part of living in Austin, Texas, is watching the Congress Avenue Bridge bats take flight at sunset. About 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats live under the bridge each year, making it the largest urban bat colony in North America.
From spring through early fall, people gather along Lady Bird Lake to see the nightly emergence. It’s a simple, distinctly Austin moment that blends the city’s nature and culture in a way few places do.
4. The Austin Housing Market Has Cooled
Austin’s housing market peaked between 2020 and 2022 but has eased slowly, giving homebuyers more options. Median home values currently sit under $500,000, and listings stay on the market longer than they did during the competitive pandemic years. Still, compared with the rest of Texas, Austin remains one of the more expensive metropolitan markets.
5. Austin Weather and Climate Bring Heat and Storms
Austin’s climate offers long, ultra-hot summers and short, mild winters. Summer typically stretches from May through September, with temperatures often topping 100 degrees. Humidity only intensifies the heat, making shade, access to water, and A/C important parts of daily life for locals. Occasional heat waves can also strain the local power grid, so it’s helpful to stay aware of local energy conservation alerts.
Cold fronts move in during the winter, and while snow is rare, there have been ice storms and freezes in recent years. The city can experience flash flooding during heavy rain, especially in low-lying areas, so you may want to hang onto your raincoat and galoshes. In some years, severe weather has also contributed to short-term boil-water notices.
6. The Austin Job Market Remains Strong
Austin’s job market is steady, with unemployment holding near 3.9% for the Austin–Round Rock metro area, as of the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The average hourly wage just increased to $36.41, which is just below the national average of $36.42, but higher than the Texas state average of $34.47.
Though growth has slowed from the rapid expansion seen a few years ago, Austin’s job market is diverse, stable, and still attractive to people moving to Austin. This is especially true for those in tech, healthcare, education, or finance.
7. Austin is a Great City for Higher Education
If you’re living in Austin, Texas, you’ll be near some impressive higher-education options. At the heart of it is The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), a top public university known for its research power, large campus, and academic breadth.
Beyond UT, Austin’s landscape includes more modestly sized institutions, such as St. Edward’s University, which focuses on student-centered liberal arts education, and Concordia University Texas, a private Christian university.
8. Austin Offers a Mix of Culture, Music, and Nature
Austin blends music, art, food, and nature in a way that’s easy to enjoy, whether you’re new to the city or have lived here for years. The city’s long-running “Keep Austin Weird” slogan still reflects (and shapes) local culture, from small shops to community events. And outdoor activities are just as central to daily life.
Here are just a few of the many things to do in Austin:
- Nightlife: Explore Sixth Street for bars, music venues, late-night entertainment spots, and some of the best places to eat in Austin.
- Art & Film: Visit galleries or plan around the annual SXSW festival.
- Local Culture: Enjoy food trucks, small markets, and neighborhood events.
- Parks: Spend time at Zilker Park, the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and other city green spaces.
- Trails: Walk, bike, or skate along the Lady Bird Lake Trail and neighborhood paths.
- Water Activities: Head to Lake Austin or Lake Travis for swimming, boating, or paddleboarding.
Is Moving to Austin, Texas, Worth It?
Austin is regularly touted as one of the best places to live in the U.S. thanks to its warm weather, excellent food, live music scene, and overall energy. But like any city, it also has its cons. Intense summer heat and humidity, high housing costs, and heavy traffic along I-35 are some of the trade-offs often mentioned by locals.
At the end of the day, choosing where to live is a personal decision. Take a look at what matters most to you and your family. If you’re drawn to Austin’s culture and big-city amenities—and mild weather, affordability, and easy commute times aren’t must-haves—Austin may be the right fit for you.
Tips for Moving to Austin
Do you have a good feeling about ATX? Before you head to Austin, consider how you want to handle the move. Each approach has pros and cons, and the right one for you will depend on your budget, timeline, needs, and preferences.
Choose the Right Moving Service
When moving to Austin, you have several options. Some people prefer the flexibility of a DIY move, while others want the ease of a full-service team. Freight trailers sit comfortably in the middle, offering convenience without the higher cost.
DIY With a Rental Truck
A DIY truck rental gives you the most control over your move and is usually the most budget-friendly option. It’s a good fit if you’re comfortable handling the packing, loading, and driving on your own.
That being said, a DIY move requires more planning and physical effort. It will be up to you to handle all the logistics of the journey, like where to park the rental truck during overnight stays and towing or shipping a second vehicle if needed.
Full-Service Movers
Full-service movers handle most of the work for you, making the process more predictable and much less physically demanding. This moving option is ideal if you’re looking for a smooth moving experience or have a tight schedule and don’t mind the higher cost.
Freight Trailers
Freight trailers offer a balance between cost and convenience. The company drops off a trailer, you load it, and they transport it to your new home.
It’s helpful for people who don’t want to drive a large truck but still want to keep costs down and are willing to handle the packing and hauling themselves.
Plan for Storage
Many Austin homes rely on garages, closets, and outdoor sheds for storage, which can feel limiting at first, particularly if you’re used to having a basement. Plus, a shed or garage may not be an ideal option for bulkier outdoor gear or any items that could be affected by the city’s climate.
If you have (or plan to get) kayaks, paddle boards, bicycles, or even a boat, consider using an Austin self-storage unit to keep them out of the way until you need them. And with Austin’s heat and humidity, climate-controlled storage* can be a great option, especially if you have items that require special storage conditions, like books or electronics.
Your Next Step to Living in Austin, Texas
Moving to Austin comes with a lot to consider, such as housing, the cost of living, and the weather. But with the right preparation, it’s easy to settle into the best parts of Austin and all the city has to offer.
CubeSmart can help make that transition smoother. We offer a variety of unit sizes and options across all our locations, so you can find what works best for your move. Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
