Relocating from LA to Austin is a good idea for many reasons. However, there are top five reasons why Californians are relocating to Texas’ capital city: booming economy and numerous job opportunities, reasonable cost of living and housing, top-notch education and entertainment, and desirable climate. However, potential residents should be aware of the city’s congested traffic and abundant opportunities to overspend money on amazing food and entertainment.
Is Moving From Los Angeles to Austin a Good Decision?
Moving from Los Angeles to Austin is a big step in one’s life, and you definitely should check all the pros and cons you’ll run into. However, you need to be sure of your decision, which is why you should do some research on this accepting and warm city nicknamed the “live music capital of the world.”
Is Austin, Texas, Better Than Los Angeles, California?
The migration from Cali to the Lone Star State has been a thing since 2008, after the US recession. And although the Golden State has been the dream location for many people, the reality is pretty different. California’s astronomical housing prices, high cost of living, and lack of job market are just some of the reasons people are looking into ATX and booking cross-country moving services. After all, it is one of the best cities to raise a family. So, if you’re asking yourself: Should I move to Los Angeles or Austin, consider all of the aspects and decide accordingly.
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Estimate Whether All Aspects of Living in the Lone Star State’s Capital Are Beneficial for Your Needs
Leaving California can indeed be pretty hard for some people. However, living in ATX will bring you many advantages over living in LA. For example, there are no corporate and personal taxes, reduced cost of living, and lower house prices. These are just some of the benefits you’ll enjoy after becoming an Austinite.
Diverse Industries and Booming Economy Are Just Some of the Benefits of Moving to Austin From LA
Why is LA moving to Austin? Well, there’s no one right answer, but the most common reason why many are relocating to Texas is better job opportunities. Its capital is a rising tech center, and in the past couple of years, around 100 tech company relocations were logged. In fact, there are over 6,500 startups and established businesses in ATX.
Most major companies, such as Google, Apple, Dell, HP, eBay, Intel, Oracle, IBM, and Cisco, are located west of downtown in Silicon Hills. So if you move without a job from California, don’t worry! Just make sure your CV is prepared and apply for jobs in numerous enterprises once you move. If you hire us, one of the best cross-country moving companies, not only you won’t have to worry about relocation services, but you’ll also have more time to explore all about the work culture here.
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How Much Does It Cost to Move From LA to Austin – Explore Desirable Cost of Living
When you’re thinking about moving out from Los Angeles, and you’re on the fence about your relocation to Austin, you definitely need to check and compare the cost of living in these two places. Being aware of these facts will help you make the bigger picture of the life that awaits you.
So, is Austin cheaper than LA, and what is a good salary in Austin? Check the following table and compare the general cost of living in ATX and LA (from transportation, one-bedroom rent, utilities, and salaries) and do the math.
| Costs | Transportation | Rent Per Month | Utilities | Average Salaries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATX | $1.30 | $2,000 | $140 | $6,200 |
| LA | $1.80 | $2,500 | $120 | $5,900 |
Compare the Price of Housing Between These Two Cities
Moving cross country means you need to consider numerous factors when picking the perfect place you’ll call home. One of the first things surely is checking which states have the lowest cost of living. The Lone Star State is among them, and no wonder why Californians are migrating here. According to WalletHub, ATX is the number one place for home buyers since its housing market has shown growth and stability like no other city or state.
However, prices have risen here as well, as they did in the entire world. That’s how the median home worth in ATX is about $590,000. This price makes the Lone Star State’s capital the second most “overvalued” housing market in the country. However, it’s still way more affordable than the housing prices in LA, where the median home price is $800,000.
Many Entrepreneurs Decide to Move Here Because There Are No Personal or Corporate Income Taxes
Many have decided to move to TX since this state has been ranked number one for women entrepreneurs. However, it’s not just for women, but men as well. After all, everyone wants to use the benefits of a diverse talent pool, large workspace, and affordable office space to make local businesses grow.
Also, there’s the major benefit of no personal or corporate income taxes. This makes TX one of the lowest tax burdens for business owners in the US. Not only that, but there are also sales tax exemptions for development and research-related materials, equipment, and software. So, boosting your business from the bottom line here sounds like a pretty smooth thing to do.
Check All Benefits of Forming an LLC in Texas
Besides California, it’s possible to transfer your LLC to the Lone Star State. Just remember to book reliable long-distance moving services if you want to move efficiently. However, if you want to form a new LLC, you could use all the help there is, right? And don’t worry, ATX has your back covered with its limited liability protection for small business owners. That’s why ATX is one of the best cities for startups. If you’re not sure how to set up your LLC, there’s an excellent step-by-step guide in the video below.
Excellent Education Opportunities Attract Many Californians
Besides being one of the best cities for education in the country, the Texas capital provides its residents with a top-notch educational system with a variety of school options. As a result, there are 29 school districts and many other private and charter schools. Also, the University of Texas is ranked 13th among public universities and 45th in the nation.
However, when picking the most suitable neighborhood here, you should remember that a large number of students live here – there are around 38,000 undergrad and 12,000 grad students. But, besides challenges such as job competition, you won’t have to worry about neighborhoods since all of them are pretty much safe. You should just check which one will satisfy your needs.
Angelenos Won’t Lack Entertainment Possibilities in This Hippie Haven
Los Angeles is known as the entertainment capital of the world, and you probably think it’s quite hard to compete with a title like that, right? Well, don’t worry, as Hippie Haven has a lot of interesting things to offer its residents and visitors. The entire state and its capital are famous for their amazing food and beer, so if you ever feel bored, you can just check out some of the best restaurants.
However, if you’re more into festivals, you will have plenty of things to do all year round. Austin’s well-known for its music festivals, and the city is also named the live music capital of the world. The famous South Congress Avenue welcomed many artists like Wanda Jackson and Robert Plant. Here are some of the local music festivals you need to check out:
- Free Week,
- Rodeo,
- SXSW (South by Southwest),
- Viva La Vida Festival & Parade,
- Art City,
- Urban Music Festival,
- Celtic Festival,
- Pecan Street Festival,
- City Limits Music Festival,
- Area Jazz Festival,
- Austin’s Carnaval,
- Reggae Festival.
Moving to Austin From Los Angeles – Gorgeous Climate Will Help Californians Adjust Faster to a New Home
Relocating to a cold climate indeed isn’t something most Californians would do. After all, sacrificing 300 days of sunshine per year isn’t something everyone would be ready to do. So, when it’s time to move, all you have to do when deciding where to live is have the climate in mind. That’s why ATX might be the top choice for you because the climate won’t change much.
You won’t be dealing with extremes. In fact, the winters are mild, and the summers are hot. Also, you can expect the overall climate to be comfortable and pleasant all year long. Many people believe that Austin’s climate is one of the main reasons why the locals are so friendly and why it’s such a good place for dogs.
Swimming Holes Are the Perfect Recreation When Moving From LA to Austin
Planning a move to another city requires a lot of organization, but getting help from experienced long-distance movers will leave you more time to consider what recreational activities you’ll enjoy once you become an ATX resident.
One of the most popular is going for a swim in the swimming holes. These are spring-fed oases with chillingly brisk water. The most important one is in Barton Springs in Zilker Park, and it’s considered ATX’s soul. So, instead of worrying about how to pack something, get some professional packing services and start looking at all the spots you’d like to explore.
What Are the Cons of Living in Austin, Texas?
Like every place on Earth, even Hippie Heaven has some drawbacks, and that’s completely understandable. However, when you’re aware of them, you’ll be able to maximize all the advantages of relocating to another state. That’s why all people who are moving to Austin from Los Angeles should check the following disadvantages they will surely run into.
It's a Car-Dependent City
Since Hippie Heaven has limited public transportation, you might consider all the benefits of car shipping when hiring a professional long-distance moving company, especially if you’re not a big fan of riding a bus. Unlike in other bigger cities, the metro or train system isn’t as developed as it should be.
Embrace Heavy Traffic
Because public transportation is not so great, it’s understandable that traffic is heavy and causes extra frustration for its residents. That’s why when finding the perfect place to live in, it’s better to be near work. Otherwise, you might commute double or even triple what you normally would.
Residents Are Tempted to Overpay and Overspend
Foodies will have real trouble controlling themselves here. With numerous amazing and excellent local cuisine, you might be unable to say no to going out every day and trying something new. So, it’s important to be aware of your diet and budget every time you go out.
Make Moving From Los Angeles to Austin, TX a Breeze, and Request a Free Quote From the Best Cross-Country Movers
When you consider all the benefits you’ll have after the move to ATX, you need to find a reliable cross-country moving company. That way, you can have a stress-free move and prepare for the significant change in the best possible way. So, check all the needed data and contact Cross-Country Moving Company as we are one of the top-rated ones for a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving From Los Angeles to Austin
What are some things I should consider before moving from Los Angeles to Austin?
Before organizing a big move there are several things to consider, including the cost of living, job market, lifestyle, climate, and social support.
How do I plan a move from Los Angeles to Austin?
Firstly, you should research and compare the cost of living, housing options, job opportunities, and other important factors in both cities. Then, create a budget and timeline for the move, including the cost of moving services, transportation, and other expenses. Next, you should start decluttering and packing your belongings, making sure to label boxes and keep an inventory.
What is the cost of living like in Austin compared to Los Angeles?
The cost of living in Austin is generally lower than in Los Angeles. Housing, food, and transportation are typically less expensive in Austin, while utilities and healthcare may be comparable or slightly more expensive.
How do I find a place to live in Austin before the move?
There are several ways to find a place to live in Austin before the move. Firstly, you can search online through websites such as Zillow, Craigslist, or Realtor.com for available housing options. You can also reach out to a real estate agent or property management company to assist you in your search.
What are some good neighborhoods to live in Austin?
There are many good neighborhoods to live in Austin, depending on your preferences and lifestyle. Some popular neighborhoods include:
- Downtown – A vibrant and walkable area with many restaurants, bars, and entertainment options.
- South Congress (SoCo) – A trendy and eclectic neighborhood with vintage shops, food trucks, and live music venues.
- East Austin – A historically diverse area with a thriving art and music scene, as well as many new restaurants and bars.
- Clarksville – A quiet and upscale neighborhood with historic homes and tree-lined streets.
- Zilker – A popular area near Zilker Park, home to the Austin City Limits Music Festival and many outdoor activities.
How do I find a job in Austin before the move?
Firstly, you can search for job openings on job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor. You can also reach out to staffing agencies or recruiters who specialize in your industry for job opportunities. Additionally, you can network with professionals in your field or attend job fairs and networking events in Austin.
What is the weather like in Austin compared to Los Angeles?
Austin has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, whereas Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. The average temperature in Austin ranges from around 60°F (15°C) in winter to 95°F (35°C) in summer, while in Los Angeles, temperatures range from around 50°F (10°C) in winter to 80°F (27°C) in summer. Austin also receives more rainfall than Los Angeles, with an average of 33 inches (84 cm) of rain per year, compared to 14 inches (36 cm) in Los Angeles.
How does transportation compare between Austin and Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a more extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and subways, which can be accessed using the TAP card. In contrast, Austin’s public transportation system is primarily composed of buses, with some limited train service, and can be accessed using the Capital Metro system. Both cities also have ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft available.
What should I know about Austin's culture and lifestyle?
Austin’s culture and lifestyle are unique and diverse, with a strong emphasis on live music, outdoor activities, and local businesses. The city is known for its vibrant music scene, with numerous live music venues and festivals throughout the year. Austin also has a thriving food and drink scene, with many locally-owned restaurants, food trucks, and breweries.
How do I adjust to a new city after moving from Los Angeles to Austin?
Try to explore and familiarize yourself with the city, its neighborhoods, and its local culture by attending events, and festivals, and trying out the local cuisine. Joining groups or organizations related to your hobbies or interests can help you meet new people and make friends.
What are some common mistakes people make when moving from Los Angeles to Austin?
Some common mistakes people make when moving from Los Angeles to Austin include underestimating the time and cost of the move, not researching the new city adequately, and not being prepared for the weather and climate differences. It’s important to plan the move well in advance and create a realistic budget and timeline to avoid last-minute stress and unexpected expenses.
What are some things to do and places to see in Austin after moving?
There are many things to do and places to see in Austin after moving. Some popular attractions and activities include:
- Visit the Texas State Capitol – The state capitol building is a popular tourist attraction and a must-see for history buffs.
- Enjoy the music scene – Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, with many live music venues and festivals throughout the year.
- Explore the outdoors – There are many parks and outdoor spaces in Austin, including Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
What should I know about Austin's food scene after moving from Los Angeles?
You should know that Austin’s food scene is unique and diverse, with many locally owned and operated restaurants, food trucks, and breweries. The city is known for its emphasis on Tex-Mex cuisine, BBQ, and farm-to-table dining. Many restaurants in Austin focus on using locally sourced, fresh ingredients and offer vegan and vegetarian options.
What should I do if I have trouble adjusting to life in Austin after the move?
If you’re having trouble adjusting to life in Austin after the move, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and family for support, or to join local groups or organizations to meet new people with similar interests. It may also be helpful to seek out a therapist or counselor to work through any emotional or mental health challenges you may be experiencing.
How do I stay in touch with family and friends in Los Angeles after moving to Austin?
Staying in touch with family and friends in Los Angeles after moving to Austin is important for maintaining relationships and staying connected. Some ways to stay in touch include regular phone or video calls, messaging through social media, and scheduling visits or trips back to Los Angeles. It can also be helpful to plan virtual activities, such as watching a movie or playing a game together, to maintain a sense of closeness and shared experiences.
