Moving from NYC to Austin, TX, means more than a shift in tempo. Not only are you trading packed subway cars for wide open roads, but also skyscraper shadows for big Texas sky, and the feeling of being squeezed by everything for the sense of endless space.
Austin differs from New York in ways that can take time to settle into—but for many people, that contrast is exactly the point of moving to Texas.
The financial side matters, too, especially given the sharp difference between the cost of living in Austin, TX, and the cost of living in NYC. In this guide, we’ll break down what moving to Austin really looks like, how the two cities compare, and what to expect once you decide to make the move.
Moving From NYC to Austin: How Do They Compare?
New York City and Austin differ in ways that affect daily life, from housing costs and commute patterns to climate and overall pace.
Before you put together your moving checklist, get to know where you’re going with this side-by-side comparison of New York City vs. Austin.
Fast Facts: NYC vs. Austin
NYC | Austin | |
Population | ||
Median Age | ||
Climate | Cold winters, humid summers | Hot summers, mild winters |
Cost of Living (100 is the national average) | ||
Median Home Price | ||
Average Rent |
In Austin, most former New Yorkers notice the space first — on the roads, in stores, and in the homes. Weekends lean toward trails, lakes, or a patio with live music. Austin also has its quirks, including the largest urban bat colony in North America, which crowds gather to watch in the summer.
But there are things New Yorkers miss. The subway’s convenience is hard to replace once driving becomes routine, along with the late-night options, cultural density, and walkable variety that New York packs into every block. And the quiet of Texas life takes some getting used to.
The Cost of Living in NYC vs. Austin Highlights a Clear Financial Shift
The cost of living in Austin, TX, is lower across nearly every category, and most people feel that difference right away. Taxes look different, housing becomes more accessible, and routine expenses don’t hit nearly as hard as they do in New York.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Austin, Texas? For many people, yes. Without state income tax and with far lower housing costs than the cost of living in NYC, that income stretches further than most New Yorkers expect.
Daily expenses reinforce the shift. Groceries, gas, and utilities tend to cost less, and rent is nowhere near New York levels. Even if you’ll need a car in Austin — adding insurance, gas, and maintenance — you may still end up spending less (or even a lot less) each month than you did in NYC.
State income tax: New York taxes wages, while Texas does not.
Property taxes: Property tax wages are generally higher in Texas, but those costs are often offset by lower home prices.
Groceries and gas: Grocery and gas prices in Austin are commonly about 30% lower than in New York City.
Rent: The average one-bedroom apartment rents for over $4,000, compared to roughly $1,400–$1,700 in Austin.
Home prices: The median home price is around $794,000 in New York City, versus approximately $490,000 in Austin.
Daily spending: A typical dinner for two in Austin costs about 25% less than a comparable meal in New York City.
Transportation: Monthly transportation costs often decrease overall, even though driving replaces public transit.
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Austin vs. NYC: Other Considerations
Moving from NYC to Austin, TX, means adapting to a different way of living, including +s how you get around, how much space you have, what weekends look like, even how the weather shapes your day.
Austin’s climate is a major shift for New Yorkers
Austin’s climate resets your expectations. Summers are long, bright, and routinely push past 100°F, which changes when and how you spend time outside. Winters, on the other hand, barely register compared to New York. They’re short, mild, and mostly snow-free.
The trade-off is seasonal rhythm. In NYC, the year is divided into four distinct chapters. In Austin, it’s a warm weather life: early-morning runs, afternoons near water, and outdoor plans that pause only for the peak heat. It’s a different cadence, and it takes some adjusting.
Austin vs. NYC crime comparisons aren’t straightforward.
Austin has higher-than-average property crime in some areas, especially around nightlife, while many residential pockets stay quiet. The city’s spread-out layout also changes how safety feels day to day. You’re not surrounded by crowds the way you are in New York.
New York City has higher overall crime rates, but safety tends to be more consistent across neighborhoods. In Austin, safety varies more sharply by location, with some neighborhoods experiencing significantly higher crime rates than others.
Daily life changes when driving becomes the norm
One of the biggest shifts for anyone moving from NYC to Austin, TX, is how much driving shapes daily life. In Austin, a car isn’t optional. You’ll rely on it for groceries, work, appointments, and almost everything else. Public transit exists, but it’s not built for the kind of all-day reliability New Yorkers are used to.
Owning a car brings new expenses: insurance, gas, parking, and maintenance. But the trade-offs are less waiting and more control over your schedule.
Austin housing offers more space and flexibility
Housing is one of the clearest contrasts between Austin and New York. Even modest Austin rentals tend to feel more open than New York City housing — more storage, wider layouts, and, in many cases, outdoor space or parking. The lower price per square foot means you get more room without stretching your budget to the limit.
Compared to NYC’s density and vertical living, Austin’s homes and apartments feel noticeably less compressed. It’s a shift most people feel the moment they unpack.
The best Austin neighborhoods for newcomers from NYC
Most people moving from NYC to Austin, TX, gravitate toward the best Austin neighborhoods that offer some mix of walkability, energy, and access. Each has its own rhythm:
South Congress: Trendy, walkable, polished, easy to settle into quickly.
East Austin: Creative, eclectic, evolving fast. A favorite for people who want culture close by.
Mueller: Family-friendly, planned, and full of parks and green space.
South Lamar: Relaxed, central, and packed with good food and casual nightlife.
North Loop: More affordable, a little quirky, and known for its indie, local feel.
Austin offers a more relaxed approach than NYC
Free time in Austin looks different from NYC. The city leans on warm weather, easy outdoor access, and a music scene woven into everyday life.
Barton Springs Pool: A spring-fed, 68-degree swim spot
Lady Bird Lake: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and long shoreline paths
Zilker Park: Austin’s central green space for picnics and festivals
The Greenbelt: Miles of shaded trails and swimming holes
Patio culture: Happy hours and dinners outside almost year-round
Live music: Bars, restaurants, coffee shops — shows are everywhere
SXSW: A citywide mix of music, film, and tech
ACL Festival: Two weekends of major artists and crowds
Local markets: Weekend art markets, vintage pop-ups, and makers’ fairs
Austin’s version of entertainment is less structured and more spontaneous. There’s more sun, more water, and a slower pace than most New Yorkers are used to.
Is Moving to Austin, Texas, Worth It?
For many people, moving from NYC to Austin, TX is worth it. If you’re looking for more space, more sun, and a lifestyle that doesn’t move at New York’s constant pace, Austin offers a real shift in quality of life. Lower housing costs and easier day-to-day living are big draws, and the city’s culture appeals to a lot of newcomers.
But Austin can’t replicate what NYC does best. NYC transplants lose the density, the transit system, the late-night options, and the feeling that everything is within a few blocks. Whether the trade feels right depends on what you value more: access and intensity, or room and rhythm.
The Cost of Moving From NYC to Austin, TX
The price of moving from NYC to Austin depends on the size of your home, the timing of your move, and how much support you want from a professional team. Long-distance moving services entail a lot of miles and logistics, so costs can vary more than people expect.
You can expect to pay $4,000–$5,000 for full-service movers when moving from NYC to Austin, TX. Your final price depends on factors like how much you’re bringing, the floor you’re moving out of in New York, the time of year, and whether you want packing services or transportation only.
Top Options for Moving From NYC to Austin
When moving from NYC to Austin, most people choose between two approaches. You can rent a truck and do the move yourself, or you can hire full-service movers to handle the loading, driving, and unloading.
Both work, but they offer very different experiences on a long-distance route.
A DIY rental truck keeps costs down but requires more work
With a DIY move, you handle everything. That means packing your home, loading the truck, driving over 1,700 miles, and unloading in Austin.
It’s usually the cheaper option, but it comes with long hours on the road, fuel and hotel costs, and the stress of maneuvering a large truck through NYC and Texas traffic.
Full-service movers manage the heavy lifting and the long drive
Full-service movers take care of packing, loading, transportation, and unloading. For a long move like this, you get the benefit of expert loading, damage coverage, no rental truck to drive, and far fewer logistics to manage. Many people find the added convenience worth the higher cost, especially when they don’t want to spend days on the road.
Make the Move From NYC to Austin with Colonial
Moving from NYC to Austin, TX, means more space, warmer weather, new neighborhoods, and a different daily rhythm. Knowing what to expect makes the transition easier.
Colonial Van Lines handles long-distance moves every day, including the New York–to–Austin route. Our team manages the loading, transportation, and unloading so you can focus on settling in. Get a fast, free moving quote today to get started!