Factors influencing moving costs from San Francisco to Austin

The cost of San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Austin can be as low as $1,509 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $11,680.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, 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 $1,304 to $3,272. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Francisco to Austin

San Francisco Austin
Average rent cost $3,250 $1,765
Average home value $1,241,003 $508,841
Average income (per capita) $136,689 $68,258
Cost of living (single person) $3,781 $1,107
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,717 $3,955
Unemployment rate 5.4% 3.5%
Sales tax 8.63% 8.25%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Austin are 46% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Home prices in Austin are 59.0% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Income in Austin is 50.1% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Austin is 70.7% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The cost of living for a family in Austin is 54.6% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The unemployment rate in Austin is 35.19% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Sales taxes in Austin are 4.40% lower than in San Francisco.
  • State income taxes in Austin are 100.00% lower than in San Francisco.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $878.34 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.

How life is different in San Francisco vs. Austin

Austin San Francisco
Population 974,447 808,988
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 10
Walkability score 42 99
Bike friendliness score 54 99
Crime Index 42.91 61.41
Safety Index 59.87 38.59
Air Quality Good Moderate
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Austin's population is about 20% greater than San Francisco.
  • Austin's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus San Francisco's lower score of 10.
  • Austin is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 42 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 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 San Francisco, which has a score of 99 out of 100.
  • Austin's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 42.91 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
  • Austin is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 59.87 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
  • Air quality in Austin is good, and in San Francisco it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Francisco 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 Austin. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Austin

Now that you've decided to make the move to "ATX", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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

After settling into your new Texas home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Austin has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Austin is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 city’s Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Round Rock Express, Austin Spurs, Texas Stars, or Austin Outlaws game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Austin?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Austin?

Because most people are moving from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Austin take?

The 1,757-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Austin, TX, takes five to 16 days. Some San Francisco 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

San Francisco moving services

Popular California routes

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