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Things to know before moving from Alabama to Austin, TX
Cost of living: Alabama vs Austin, TX
| Alabama | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $925 | $1,765 |
| Average home value | $227,508 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,609 | $68,258 |
| Unemployment rate | 3% | 4% |
| State income tax | 5% | 0% |
Austin sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 91% more expensive in Austin than in Alabama.
- Home prices are about 124% higher in Austin than in Alabama.
- The average income is about 15% higher in Austin than in Alabama.
- Austin has a higher unemployment rate than Alabama by about 21%.
- Income taxes are 100% lower in Austin than in Alabama.
How life is different in Austin from Alabama
| Austin | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 5,108,468 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 71-26 | Republican 65-35 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 35" | 56" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 21.48 |
Austin sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Austin is approximately 81% lower than the population of Alabama.
- In the last presidential election, Austin voted Democrat and Alabama voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Austin is 96ºF and in Alabama, it’s 91ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Austin reaches the temperature of 38ºF and Alabama gets down to 33ºF.
- You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Austin vs 56 inches of rainfall in Alabama.
- In Austin, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 1 inch of snow in Alabama.
- Austin has a higher crime rate than Alabama with a crime index of 42.91 vs 21.48.
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 Alabama vs. Austin, TX
Comparing the pros of Alabama 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 Alabama vs Austin side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Alabama | Pros of living in Austin, TX |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Delicious barbecue |
| Tasty southern comfort food | Phenomenal live music |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Relaxed atmosphere |
| Top-notch college football | Amazing festivals |
| Rich history | Abundant lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. Austin, TX:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Alabama for Austin.
| Cons of living in Alabama | Cons of living in Austin, TX |
|---|---|
| Poor quality of life | Hot summers |
| Severe weather | Terrible traffic |
| Restrictive alcohol laws | Limited sports and art venues |
| Poor healthcare | High cost of living |
| Cockroaches | Xenophobic locals |
FAQ
How long does a move from Alabama to Austin take?
The time frame for a move from Alabama 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 Alabama, 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 Alabama 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 Alabama to Austin?
Because of the 756-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Alabama 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 Alabama 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.
