($1,195) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Austin, TX

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Austin

When planning a move to Austin from Chicago, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,195 and $4,698. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,355 and $6,171 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,346 to $7,984.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Austin

When you’re heading from Chicago to Austin, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $823 and $2,030. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,598 and $3,132. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,034 to $4,012. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Illinois easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Austin

A moving rental truck from Chicago to Austin is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $682 to $1,271. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $775 to $1,590, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chicago to Austin costs around $965 to $1,878.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 14% less expensive in Austin than in Chicago, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 72% steeper in Austin compared to Chicago.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between Austin and Chicago are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Austin. The cost of living for a single person there is 8% below that of Chicago.
• A move to Austin can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 16% lower compared to Chicago.
• Austin has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 61%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are 20% cheaper in Austin compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

• Austin’s population is about 65% less than Chicago.
• Austin’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Austin is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Austin has a bike-friendliness score of 54 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Austin’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 42.91 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Austin is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 59.87 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Austin is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Chicago and Austin are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Texas, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Texas, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to Texas complete, you can dive right into experiencing Austin. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• 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, and Blanton Museum of Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Round Rock ExpressAustin SpursTexas StarsAustin OutlawsAustin HunsAustin GilgronisAustin Bold FCAustin FC game.