Moving from Chicago to Austin: What to Know Before You Go

The idea of moving from Chicago to Austin can be exhilarating. Visions of sunny skies, thriving tech hubs, and a vibrant music scene fill your head. But let’s get real: moving from to Austin from Chicago isn’t just about packing boxes and making travel arrangements. This is a big life change, requiring a deep understanding of how different these two cities are.

This blog is your reality check, covering everything from the cost of living to the lifestyle and expectations in popular neighborhoods. It’s all about preparing for the realities of relocating because while the grass may be greener on the other side, there’s a lot to think about before planting your roots.

Cost of Living: Windy City Versus Live Music Capital

Moving from Chicago to Austin means your budget is about to face a shake-up. Austin is roughly 18% more expensive than Chicago, and this jump primarily stems from housing expenses being significantly pricier.

• Median Home Value in Austin: around $527,000
• Median Home Value in Chicago: around $299,000

One huge financial upside in Austin is Texas' lack of personal income tax. This could make a big difference, especially for those earning higher incomes. In Illinois, you are subject to personal income taxes which can significantly cut into your earnings.

So, while housing might be steeper in Austin, the tax benefits might make up for that gap depending on your financial situation.

Despite the higher housing costs, other living expenses such as transportation, utilities, and groceries remain fairly comparable between the two cities. If you’re used to the Midwestern prices, you’ll find that Austin’s daily expenses won’t feel like a major shock—apart from the steep housing market.

Transportation

One of the starkest contrasts between Chicago and Austin lies in transportation. Public transportation reigns supreme in Chicago, where the city's iconic L-train and extensive bus routes offer easy access to most parts of the city. Austin, on the other hand, is a more car-dependent city.

While it does have public transit in the form of CapMetro—a bus and rail system that connects key areas—it's less expansive than what you might be used to in Chicago.

• Austin Public Transport: CapMetro is Austin’s primary bus and rail service.
• Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are widely available.
• Biking: Becoming increasingly popular with expanded bike lanes, but not a primary mode of commuting.

Expect to rely heavily on a personal vehicle to get around in Austin. About 83% of Austinites use their own cars for transportation, as the public transport system is more limited. Plus, with rapid growth, traffic congestion is becoming a more common part of daily life in Austin. If you're planning to live and work in the city, purchasing a car may be a necessity.

Job Market Showdown

Austin is often referred to as the Silicon Hills, thanks to its burgeoning tech scene. The city has become a magnet for tech professionals, startups, and big names like Dell, Google, Apple, and Facebook, all of which have significant operations here. Chicago, on the other hand, boasts a more diversified job market, with finance, education, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing playing big roles.

• Tech Companies in Austin: Dell, AMD, Facebook, Google, Intel
• Startup Scene: Known for fostering new companies such as Spiceworks and RetailMeNot
• Chicago’s Strengths: Home to industries such as finance, education, healthcare, and manufacturing

For professionals in the tech industry, Austin offers significant opportunities. The city has a thriving startup culture, a high demand for tech workers, and a relatively low unemployment rate compared to national averages.

While Chicago’s market is broader, Austin’s economic growth has been rapid, attracting entrepreneurs and established professionals alike. If you’re in the tech sector or considering a career in tech, Austin is the place to be.

Even beyond tech, the growing population in Austin means that there are increasing opportunities in other sectors such as real estate, education, and healthcare. Be ready to explore new career paths if you’re making the move.

Weather: Austin vs Chicago

Comparing Chicago’s chilly winters to Austin’s scorching summers gives you a clear sense of the trade-offs you’ll face:

• Austin Summers: Hot and dry, with temperatures consistently over 100°F in July and August.
• Chicago Winters: Brutal and icy, with sub-zero temperatures and frequent snowstorms from December to February.

In Austin, expect to rely heavily on air conditioning during the hot summer months, just as you depended on heating during Chicago’s frigid winters. If you’re someone who despises the cold, Austin’s warm climate will be a welcome change. But for those who love snow, winter activities, and cooler weather, Austin's year-round warmth might be an adjustment.

Cultural Differences

Culture shock is inevitable when moving between two cities with such distinct personalities. Chicago, with its rich history of jazz, theater, and iconic architecture, offers a dense urban atmosphere brimming with cultural institutions. Meanwhile, Austin is known for its vibrant music scene, food trucks, and outdoor festivals. You’ll trade deep-dish pizza for breakfast tacos and the hustle of a dense city for Austin's more relaxed, quirky vibe.

• Austin’s Claim to Fame: Live music festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits, plus the laid-back, “Keep Austin Weird” ethos.
• Chicago’s Strengths: Theaters, museums, and a deep-rooted artistic history that is world-renowned.

In Austin, expect to hear live music on almost every corner, discover an abundance of outdoor activities, and embrace the city's slower pace. Austin residents love their outdoor spaces, too, with lakes parks, and biking trails providing plenty of opportunity to stay active.

Although you might miss the skyscrapers and iconic skyline of Chicago, you’ll enjoy a more laid-back, approachable urban landscape in Austin.

Education Opportunities

For families moving to Austin, finding quality education is a top priority. Austin boasts highly rated public and private schools, as well as an array of higher education options, making it an attractive destination for families with school-age children.

Top Schools in Austin:

• Eanes Independent School District
• Leander Independent School District
• Dripping Springs Independent School District
• NYOS Charter School
• Lake Travis Independent School District

Higher Education in Austin:

• The University of Texas at Austin
• St. Edward’s University
• Concordia University Texas
• Texas State University

If you’re coming from Chicago, where you might be familiar with top-tier universities like The University of Chicago and Northwestern University, Austin still offers plenty of academic excellence. The University of Texas at Austin, in particular, is renowned for its research programs and business school, making it a prime choice for those pursuing higher education in Texas.

Relocation 101: Making Your Move as Painless as Possible

Moving cross-country requires careful planning, especially when uprooting your life from Chicago to Austin. The logistics of packing, organizing, and transitioning to a new city can be overwhelming without a clear plan. Here are key steps to make the relocation smoother:

Craft a Master Plan

Start preparing for your move two months in advance. Breaking down the process into small, manageable tasks can save you from stress.

• Declutter: Start early and donate, sell, or recycle items you won’t need in Austin.
• Hire a Reliable Moving Company: Whether you want a full-service moving company or a DIY approach, start booking companies early to avoid last-minute stress.
• Research Austin Neighborhoods: Finding the right community in Austin can make a huge difference, so visit and explore key areas before making your decision.

Neighborhoods to Explore:

• South Austin: Known for its laid-back vibe, proximity to downtown, and access to nature trails.
• Northwest Hills: Offers great schools, scenic views, and a suburban feel.
• Downtown Austin: If you want to be in the heart of the action, downtown is the place for you, with access to music venues, bars, and restaurants.

Moving from Chicago to Austin brings significant changes in lifestyle, job market, and environment, but it also presents an exciting new chapter. Check out our Moving to Austin Checklist. You’ll be trading the iconic Windy City skyline for the laid-back, tech-fueled vibe of Austin, but with proper planning and a focus on settling into the right neighborhood, the transition can feel smoother.

Ready to Make the Move to Austin from Chicago?

Relocating from Chicago to Austin opens the door to new opportunities, a warmer climate, and an exciting shift in culture. But the move comes with its own set of challenges.

Whether it’s navigating Austin’s hot housing market or adjusting to the Texan heat, moving to Austin requires preparation. However, with the right approach, this move can be one of the best decisions for you and your family.

If you’re considering making the transition, don’t hesitate to reach out to a relocation specialist who can guide you through the process, helping you find the perfect neighborhood and home in Austin.