Moving from Richardson, TX to Austin, TX
Relocating between Richardson, TX and Austin, TX is a 210 mi drive β 3h 45m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
210 mi Β· 3h 45m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 35E, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Grand Prairie, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richardson | Austin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.09 vs 98.066 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.9% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Richardson -2.4%, Austin -5.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richardson | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 36.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Richardson (65.8Β°F) and Austin (70.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Austin gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richardson | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,269 | 967,862 |
| Median household income | $96,257 | $91,461 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.1% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.2 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.9% lower in Austin than Richardson.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Richardson vs Austin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,461 in Austin vs $96,257 in Richardson β a 5.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Austin compared to Richardson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,530 in Austin vs $440,400 in Richardson β a 15.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Richardson to Austin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 210 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Austin more expensive than Richardson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Austin is 4.9% lower than Richardson (98.066 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Austin, TX from Richardson, TX?
The driving distance is 210 mi and the route typically takes 3h 45m via I 35 and I 35E. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Austin compare to Richardson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Austin MSA vs $48,440 in the Richardson MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richardson.
City profiles: Richardson, TX Β· Austin, TX.