Why People Move to Austin
Austin continues to be one of the most popular relocation destinations in the United States. The city offers a unique combination of job opportunities in tech and healthcare, a vibrant cultural scene, excellent food, beautiful outdoor spaces, and no state income tax.
The Austin metro area population has grown significantly in recent years, driven by major employers like Tesla, Apple, Google, Amazon, Oracle, and Samsung, along with a thriving startup ecosystem.
Cost of Living
Austin is more affordable than many coastal tech hubs, but it has become more expensive in recent years. Here is what to expect.
- Median home price: ~$450,000-$500,000
- Average rent (1BR): $1,300-$1,800/month
- No state income tax in Texas
- Property taxes are higher than national average (~2%)
- Utilities are moderate, gas is affordable
- Overall cost of living is below San Francisco, NYC, Seattle
Weather and Climate
Austin has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for the heat.
- Summers are hot: 95-105F from June to September
- Winters are mild: 40-65F, occasional freeze
- Spring is beautiful: wildflowers bloom March-May
- Fall is pleasant: October-November are ideal
- Occasional severe weather (hail, thunderstorms)
- 300+ days of sunshine per year