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Published: January 5, 2026 | Reading time: 18 minutes

Moving to Austin, TX in 2026: Your Complete Guide

Austin is weird, wonderful, and growing like crazy. If you're considering moving here, you're joining thousands of others making the same decision. Here's everything you need to know before you make the leap.

I moved to Austin three years ago from Chicago, and honestly? Best decision I ever made. But it's not for everyone, and it's definitely changed a LOT in recent years. The Austin you've heard about might not be the Austin that exists today.

This guide is everything I wish someone had told me before I moved here.

Why People Move to Austin

Let's start with the good stuff—why Austin is attracting people from all over the country:

The Not-So-Great Parts (Real Talk)

Every city has downsides. Here's what you should know:

❌ Challenges

  • Heat: Summers are brutal. 100°F+ for weeks.
  • Traffic: Among worst in the nation. I-35 is a nightmare.
  • Cost of living: Not cheap anymore. Housing has skyrocketed.
  • Allergies: Cedar fever is real and miserable.
  • Homelessness: Visible issue, especially downtown.
  • Rapid growth: Infrastructure struggling to keep up.

✅ Upsides

  • Mild winters: Rarely freezes, no snow shoveling.
  • No state income tax: More money in your pocket.
  • Job opportunities: Especially in tech, healthcare.
  • Great food: Best tacos you'll ever have.
  • Music scene: Live shows every night.
  • Outdoor activities: Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, greenbelt.

Cost of Living in Austin

Let's talk money. Austin is NOT the affordable city it used to be.

Housing Costs

Downtown and central Austin are pricier. Suburbs like Round Rock, Pflugerville, or Cedar Park are more affordable but mean longer commutes.

Other Costs

Use our cost of living comparison tool to see how Austin compares to your current city.

Job Market & Industries

Austin's economy is diversifying, but some industries dominate:

Major Industries:

Salaries

Tech salaries are competitive with Silicon Valley once you account for no state tax and lower COL. A $120K salary in Austin feels like $150K+ in San Francisco.

💡 Job-Hunting Tip: Austin's job market is competitive but active. Network at meetups and conferences. BuiltInAustin.com is great for finding local tech jobs. LinkedIn works well too.

Best Neighborhoods for Different Lifestyles

For Young Professionals

Downtown / 2nd Street District

Vibe: Urban, walkable, nightlife

Cost: $$$$ (Very expensive)

Best for: High earners who want to walk everywhere, love restaurants/bars, don't need space

Rent: $2,000-$3,500 for 1BR

East Austin

Vibe: Hip, artsy, diverse, rapidly gentrifying

Cost: $$-$$$ (Moderate to expensive)

Best for: Creatives, foodies, music lovers

Rent: $1,500-$2,800 for 1BR

Note: Neighborhood character changing fast as it gentrifies.

South Congress (SoCo)

Vibe: Eclectic, funky, touristy but fun

Cost: $$$ (Expensive)

Best for: People who want quirky Austin vibes

Rent: $1,700-$3,000 for 1BR

For Families

West Lake Hills / Rollingwood

Vibe: Affluent, excellent schools, suburban

Cost: $$$$ (Very expensive)

Best for: Wealthy families prioritizing top schools

Home prices: $800K-$2M+

Circle C Ranch

Vibe: Family-friendly, planned community, safe

Cost: $$-$$$ (Moderate to expensive)

Best for: Families wanting good schools, parks, safety

Home prices: $450K-$700K

Cedar Park / Round Rock

Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented, newer development

Cost: $-$$ (Affordable to moderate)

Best for: Families wanting space, good schools, affordability

Home prices: $350K-$500K

Trade-off: Long commute to central Austin (30-60 min)

For Budget-Conscious

North Loop

Vibe: Laid-back, local feel, quirky

Cost: $$ (Moderate)

Best for: People wanting central location without downtown prices

Rent: $1,300-$2,000 for 1BR

Pflugerville / Manor

Vibe: Suburban, diverse, growing

Cost: $ (Affordable)

Best for: Budget-conscious folks okay with commuting

Rent: $1,100-$1,600 for 1BR

Transportation & Getting Around

You'll Need a Car

Let's be real: Austin is a car city. Public transit exists but isn't great. Most people drive.

⚠️ Traffic Warning: I-35 is consistently ranked among the worst traffic in America. MoPac (Loop 1) isn't much better. Budget extra time for everything. A 10-mile drive can take 45 minutes during rush hour.

Weather & Climate

Summers: HOT

June through September is brutal. Expect:

Winters: Mild

November through February is lovely:

Spring & Fall: Perfect

March-May and October-November are the best months. 70-85°F, beautiful weather, wildflowers blooming.

🌡️ Survival Tip: If you're from a cold climate, the summer heat WILL shock you. Invest in good AC, window shades, and embrace the indoor life June-August. Locals hibernate in summer and come alive in fall/winter.

Things to Do in Austin

Outdoor Activities

Food & Drink

Music & Entertainment

Schools & Education

If you have kids, schools matter:

Austin ISD is going through major changes (school closures, rezoning). Do thorough research before choosing a neighborhood based on schools.

Culture & Lifestyle

Austin has a unique culture—it's why people love it here.

Before You Move: Practical Steps

  1. Visit first: Seriously, spend a week here. Experience the heat. Drive around in traffic. Make sure you actually like it.
  2. Research neighborhoods carefully: Austin neighborhoods vary WILDLY. What works for a 25-year-old single person differs from a family with kids.
  3. Secure housing before moving: Rentals go fast. Be prepared to pay first month + deposit + fees (could be 3 months' rent upfront).
  4. Get a car lined up: You need one. Period.
  5. Budget for higher costs: Austin is NOT cheap anymore. Budget 20-30% more than you think.
  6. Join local groups: Austin Reddit, neighborhood Facebook groups, Nextdoor—all helpful for settling in.

Calculate Your Move to Austin

See how much it costs to move from your city to Austin

Get Moving Estimate

Final Thoughts

Austin is a great city with real challenges. It's not the sleepy, affordable, quirky town it was 10-15 years ago. It's growing, changing, and becoming more expensive.

But it still has incredible food, amazing live music, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a welcoming culture. The job market is strong, the weather (aside from summer) is great, and there's always something to do.

Is it perfect? No. Will you miss having four seasons? Probably. Will you complain about traffic and heat? Definitely. But will you also love tacos, live music, and not shoveling snow? Absolutely.

Welcome to Austin. Keep it weird. 🤘

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