What to expect when moving to Austin from San Fransisco

Thinking of trading San Francisco’s fog for Austin’s sunshine? Here’s what you need to know:

• Cost of Living: Austin is 31.3% cheaper overall, with housing costs 31% lower
• Housing: Median home price in Austin: $568,336 vs San Francisco: $1,277,409
• Income: Average monthly take-home pay is 32.5% less in Austin
• Taxes: No state income tax in Texas
• Tech Scene: Austin’s tech jobs grew 40% from 2020 to 2022
• Lifestyle: More laid-back, great music scene, lots of outdoor activities
• Weather: Prepare for hot summers, regularly hitting 100°F (38°C)

Moving from SF to Austin means big changes in your wallet and lifestyle. You’ll likely save on housing and enjoy no state income tax, but face hotter weather and a different culture. With some planning, you can make the most of Austin’s lower costs and booming tech scene.

Quick Comparison:

Factor	San Francisco	Austin
Cost of Living	Higher	31.3% lower
Median Home Price	$1,277,409	$568,336
State Income Tax	Yes	No
Weather	Mild year-round	Hot summers
Tech Scene	Established	Growing rapidly
Lifestyle	Fast-paced	More laid-back

 

Money and Living Costs

Moving from San Francisco to Austin? Get ready for a financial shake-up. Here’s the scoop:

Housing Prices

Brace yourself for a housing market that won’t make your wallet cry:

• Buying a home in Austin? Median price: $568,336. In San Francisco? A whopping $1,277,409. That’s over $700,000 in savings!
• Renting? You’ll shell out about 31% less in Austin. A one-bedroom apartment (711 sq ft) averages $1,446/month. In San Francisco, you’d pay $2,828 for a smaller 584 sq ft space.

Everyday Costs

Your daily expenses? They’re taking a nosedive too:

Food costs drop by 20-30% in Austin. A monthly transit pass? Just $41.25. Utilities? Generally lower.

Income Changes

Now, here’s where it gets interesting:

Your paycheck might shrink. Austin employers typically pay about 20.8% less than San Francisco ones. But don’t panic! Texas has no state income tax, which can soften the blow, especially if you’re a high earner.

Here’s the kicker: Your money stretches further in Austin. A $60,000 salary in San Francisco? It’s like earning $35,089 in Austin for the same lifestyle. But get this – you could end up with $12,430.80 more in your pocket!

“You would have to earn a salary of $35,089 to maintain your current standard of living.” – Salary.com

Bottom line? Your bank account might just thank you for the move.

Finding a Home

Moving from San Francisco to Austin? Let’s talk about finding your new home. Austin’s housing market is different, but we’ve got you covered.

Taco Street Locating

Feeling lost in the apartment jungle? Taco Street Locating is your free guide. They’re local experts who:

• Chat with you about what you want
• Do the research legwork
• Show you around
• Help with paperwork

It’s like having an Austin-savvy friend to help you out.

Where to Live

Austin’s got neighborhoods for every taste. Here’s the scoop:

Downtown Austin: It’s where the action is. Tech companies and co-working spaces are everywhere. Prices start in the mid $200s, with most places selling in the low $500s. If you love city life, this is your spot.

East Austin: It’s changing fast. Startups and creative types love it here. Homes go from mid $200s to $1.4 million, with most around mid $400s. The food truck scene is awesome, and places like Veracruz All Natural are must-visits.

North Austin: Some call it “Austin’s second downtown.” Tech workers are flocking here. Check out The Domain – it’s got modern apartments with all the bells and whistles.

Northwest Austin: Welcome to “Silicon Hills.” It’s tech central. Homes range from mid $100s to over $2 million. Take your pick.

South Austin: Want to chill? This is your place. It’s got great food and plenty of space to breathe.

When you’re picking a spot, think about:

1. How close you want to be to tech hubs
2. How long you’re okay with commuting
3. City mouse or country mouse?
4. What your wallet can handle

“Austin’s got a flavor for every tech worker. Want city buzz? Got it. Quiet suburbs? Check. Something in the middle? We’ve got that too.” – Nima Esfandiari, Real Estate Pro

Just remember, Austin’s market moves fast, especially in hot spots like East Austin. When you find a place you dig, be ready to jump on it.

Weather and Daily Life

Moving from San Francisco to Austin? Get ready for a climate shock that’ll make you sweat!

Weather Changes

San Francisco’s mild weather? That’s history. Austin’s got real seasons, and summer is the main event:

Summer Sizzle: From June to September, 100°F (38°C) is the norm. Don’t be surprised to see 90+ days straight above 90°F.

Humidity Central: Forget dry heat. Austin’s humidity will have you feeling like you’re swimming through air.

Winter Lite: Winters? Brief and mild. Temps rarely drop below 30°F, and snow is about as common as a unicorn sighting.

Spring Fling: Enjoy nice temps and blooming wildflowers. But watch out for May – it’s usually a rain fest.

Brett Hayden, an Austin local, says:

“We tell people to spend lots of time in water, stick to the shade, and get used to being a bit sweaty all the time.”

Life in Austin

Austin isn’t just about the weather – it’s a whole new world:

1. Outdoor Living

With 228 sunny days a year, Austinites love the outdoors. Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Metropolitan Park are go-to spots for kayaking, hiking, and picnicking.

2. Music Heaven

They call it the “Live Music Capital of the World” for a reason. Austin has more live music venues per capita than any other U.S. city.

3. Food Paradise

Get ready for top-notch Tex-Mex and BBQ. And don’t miss the food truck scene – it’s out of this world.

4. Fitness Central

Austin’s one of the fittest cities in the U.S., with nearly 500 parks to explore.

5. Energy Smarts

In summer, Austin Energy says to keep thermostats at 78°F or higher to save power.

The Bay Area Telegraph puts it this way:

“If you love warm weather, Austin might be your dream city. If you prefer cool, foggy (and drier) climates, San Francisco wins hands down.”

Pro Tip: Grab the what3words app for pinpoint location sharing during outdoor adventures – it could save your bacon in an emergency.

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Work and Career

Thinking about swapping San Francisco for Austin? Get ready for a career shakeup in “Silicon Hills”!

Tech Jobs in Austin

Austin’s tech scene is on fire. Since 2018, tech and IT jobs have jumped by over 34%. The city’s now a magnet for tech giants and startups alike.

Check out these big players:

• Dell: Based in Round Rock, it’s got 14,000 Austin employees and rakes in $102.3 billion.
• Oracle: This cloud computing powerhouse has 2,500 Austin staff and $49.95 billion in revenue.
• WP Engine: A web hosting company with 470 employees and $230 million in revenue.

But it’s not just about the big fish. Austin’s startup scene is buzzing, ranking 21st globally. Even Facebook, Google, and Apple are eyeing the local talent pool.

“We believe that our greatest asset is our diverse and talented workforce.” – Redgate, an Austin-based company

Pay and Taxes

Let’s talk cash. Austin tech folks average $157,612, while Bay Area techies pull in $174,063. But here’s the kicker: factor in cost of living, and Austin jumps to second place for average salaries in 2022.

Why? No state income tax. Yep, you heard that right. Texas doesn’t touch your paycheck, which can be a game-changer, especially for high earners.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Watch out for:

• Property taxes: Texas hits you with 1.74%, while California sits at 0.75%.
• Sales tax: Texas likes to take a bigger bite here.

Here’s a real-world example:

An Austin tech worker making $125,000 would need to earn $208,000 in San Francisco to keep the same lifestyle. Flip it around: move from San Francisco to Austin without a pay cut, and you could see your effective salary jump by 46%!

Josh Brenner, CEO of Hired, puts it this way:

“Many tech workers may be attracted by the prospect of seeing their salaries stretch further in Austin – especially during record levels of inflation – than it otherwise would in higher cost-of-living regions.”

Getting to Know Austin

Moving from San Francisco to Austin? You’re in for a treat! Let’s dive into what makes Austin unique.

Food and Restaurants

Austin’s food scene is a whole new world compared to San Francisco:

Tacos for Breakfast: In Austin, breakfast tacos are king. Try Veracruz All Natural’s migas originales or Mi Madre’s classic bacon, egg, potato, and cheese combo. Your mornings will never be the same.

Queso Obsession: This melted cheese dip is an Austin staple. Don’t miss Matt’s El Rancho‘s Bob Armstrong Dip or Kerbey Lane Café’s Kerbey Queso. It’s like a warm, cheesy hug for your taste buds.

Brisket Bonanza: Franklin Barbecue is a must-visit. People line up at dawn for what many call the best brisket on Earth. It’s worth the wait!

Food Truck Paradise: With over 1,200 food trucks, you’ll never run out of options. From Churro Co.’s dessert churros to Dee Dee’s northern Thai classics, there’s something for everyone.

“Austin runs on food trucks, serving everything from pizza to barbecue to tacos to pasta.” – Austin Food Magazine

Things to Do

Austin offers a unique blend of activities:

Live Music Heaven: With over 250 live music venues, you can catch a show every night. Check out:

• The Continental Club: A rock and roll institution since 1955
• ACL Live at The Moody Theater: Home of the Austin City Limits TV show
• Broken Spoke: An old-school honky-tonk with dance lessons

Bat Watching: From March to November, watch up to 1.5 million bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset.

Zilker Park: This 351-acre green space is perfect for swimming, picnicking, or just soaking up the sun. Don’t miss the always-68°F Barton Springs Pool.

Quirky Events: Only in Austin will you find events like Eeyore’s Birthday or Chicken Sh*t Bingo. Embrace the weird!

“Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World®, and boy does it deliver.” – Texas Tourism Board

Moving Tips

Swapping San Francisco for Austin? Here’s how to make your move as smooth as possible.

Moving Schedule

Let’s break down your move, month by month:

3-4 Months Before:

Book your movers. North American Van Lines has been in the game for 85+ years. They’ll charge you about $3,300 to get from San Francisco to Austin.

Start decluttering. Less stuff = lower costs and easier move.

2 Months Before:

Pack up stuff you don’t use often. Label those boxes clearly.

Tell your landlord you’re leaving or put your house on the market.

1 Month Before:

Set up your utilities. Out with the old (San Francisco), in with the new (Austin).

Update your address everywhere that matters.

2 Weeks Before:

Pack a “first night” box. Think toiletries, clothes, and basic kitchen gear.

Using PODS? Get that parking permit in Austin. Do it at least 3 days before delivery.

Moving Day:

Do one last sweep of your San Francisco place.

Keep important stuff with you. Don’t pack it in the moving truck.

First Week To-Do List

You’ve made it to Austin. Now what?

1. Get Those Utilities Going

First stop: Austin Energy. Get that electricity flowing. Don’t forget water, gas, and internet.

2. Explore Your New Hood

Take a walk. Find your new go-to spots – grocery store, pharmacy, coffee shop.

3. Swap That License

You’ve got 90 days to trade your California license for a Texas one. Head to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

4. Register to Vote

While you’re at the DPS, might as well register to vote in your new state.

5. Find Your Taco Spot

You’re in Austin now. Try Veracruz All Natural. Their migas tacos are famous for a reason.

6. Beat the Heat

Austin summers are no joke. Set your AC to 78°F or higher. Your energy bill will thank you.

7. Get Outside

With 228 sunny days a year, why not? Check out Zilker Metropolitan Park for a true Austin experience.

Alex Concepcion from Taco Street Locating says:

“Don’t jump into a long-term lease right away. Take your time. Explore different neighborhoods. Austin’s got everything from bustling downtown to chill South Congress. Find what fits you.”

Summary

Moving from San Francisco to Austin? It’s a big change that can seriously boost your bank account and shake up your lifestyle. Here’s the scoop:

Austin’s way cheaper than San Francisco. You’ll spend about 125% less on living expenses overall. The biggest win? Housing costs. In Austin, median home prices are around $568,336. Compare that to San Francisco’s jaw-dropping $1,277,409. If you’re renting, you’ll save about 31% on average.

Here’s a sweet deal: Texas has no state income tax. If you’re a high earner, this can make up for any potential salary drop. For example, a $120,000 salary in San Francisco gives you the same living standard as $90,000 in Austin.

Austin’s not called “Silicon Hills” for nothing. The tech job market’s booming – it grew 34% since 2018. Big names like Dell, Oracle, and Apple have set up shop here.

But heads up: Austin summers are HOT. We’re talking 100°F (38°C) regularly. It’s a far cry from San Francisco’s mild weather.

Culture-wise, Austin’s all about laid-back vibes, live music, and outdoor fun. With 228 sunny days a year, you’ll have plenty of chances to chill at Zilker Metropolitan Park or kayak on Lady Bird Lake.

Food scene? Get ready for breakfast tacos, queso, and killer BBQ. Franklin Barbecue’s a must – people line up at dawn for their famous brisket.

When you’re ready to move, book movers early. North American Van Lines charges about $3,300 for a San Francisco to Austin move. Pack a “first night” box with essentials, and don’t forget to update your address everywhere.

“We tell people to spend lots of time in water, stick to the shade, and get used to being a bit sweaty all the time”, says Brett Hayden, an Austin local.

Your San Francisco salary will go further in Austin, but be ready for some lifestyle changes. With some planning and an open mind, you can make the most of what “The Live Music Capital of the World” has to offer.

Just remember: Austin’s growing fast. While it’s more affordable now, prices are climbing. So if you’re thinking about making the move, don’t wait too long!

FAQs

Is Austin more expensive than San Francisco?

No, Austin is WAY cheaper than San Francisco. Here’s the scoop:

Austin’s overall cost of living is 125% lower than San Francisco’s. That’s huge! It’s even 3% below the national average.

The biggest difference? Housing. San Francisco’s housing prices are a mind-boggling 273% higher than Austin’s. Let that sink in for a moment.

Rent tells a similar story:

• Austin: $1,449 for a one-bedroom
• San Francisco: $1,914 for the same

And home prices?

• Austin’s median: $534,500
• San Francisco’s median: $793,600

Ryan Rodenbeck, a local real estate guru, says:

“The cost of living often dictates this choice, and compared to San Francisco, Austin tends to be more budget-friendly.”

But hold on. Don’t think Austin is dirt cheap. Brett Alder, who moved from San Francisco to Austin, warns:

“Austin is not cheap; it’s actually quite expensive.”

Why? A few reasons:

1. Property Taxes

They’re higher in Texas. You’re looking at 1.79% to 3%, depending on where you live. That’s more than California’s average.

2. Utilities and Services

These can hit your wallet harder in Austin than you might expect.

So, what’s the deal? Austin is MUCH cheaper than San Francisco, especially for housing. But it’s not exactly bargain-basement prices. By national standards, it’s still pricey.

The takeaway? If you’re thinking of moving, do your homework. Factor in ALL the costs, not just rent or mortgage. Your bank account will thank you later.