Moving from Gilbert, AZ to Austin, TX
The drive from Gilbert, AZ to Austin, TX runs 995 mi β about 17h 1m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
995 mi Β· 17h 1m by car Β· TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 290, US 85 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, El Paso, Las Cruces, Tucson, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gilbert | Austin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Austin are 5.1% below Gilbert β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 5.1% lower in Austin than Gilbert as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Gilbert -1.2%, Austin -5.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gilbert | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.2" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 36.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 71.4Β°F vs 70.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Austin sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US, AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gilbert | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 271,118 | 967,862 |
| Median household income | $121,351 | $91,461 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.2 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.1% between Gilbert and Austin (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Austin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Austin average 97Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Austin compared to Gilbert?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,530 in Austin vs $572,507 in Gilbert β a 11.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Gilbert to Austin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 995 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Gilbert vs Austin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,461 in Austin vs $121,351 in Gilbert β a 24.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Austin compare to Gilbert?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Austin MSA vs $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Austin more expensive than Gilbert?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Austin is 5.1% lower than Gilbert (98.066 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Austin, TX from Gilbert, AZ?
The driving distance is 995 mi and the route typically takes 17h 1m via I 10 and US 290. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Gilbert.
City profiles: Gilbert, AZ Β· Austin, TX.