Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Austin
The cost of Chicago 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 Chicago to Austin can be as low as $1,426 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,407.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, 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 $890 to $2,156. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Austin
Moving from Chicago to Austin means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Austin, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Austin so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chicago | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,765 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $68,258 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Austin are 14% lower than in Chicago, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
Home prices in Austin are 72.1% higher than in Chicago. - Income in Austin is 4.6% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Austin include Keller Williams Realty, Whole Foods Market, and Arrow Value Recovery.
- The cost of living for a single person in Austin is 8.3% lower than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Austin is 15.7% lower than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is 61.11% lower than in Chicago.
- You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the city’s sales taxes in Austin are 19.51% lower than in Chicago.
- One perk of moving to Austin is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,750.82 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Austin
| Austin | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 42.91 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 59.87 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Austin's population is about 65% less than Chicago.
- Austin's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher 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 54 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
- 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.
Other things to consider for your Chicago 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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Austin?
The best time to move from Chicago to Austin is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Austin?
Because most people are moving from Chicago 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 Chicago to Austin take?
The 1,120-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Austin, TX, takes two to eight days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Austin.
