Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Austin, TX
Relocating 728 mi from Tuscaloosa to Austin is a 13h 27m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
728 mi Β· 13h 27m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, TX 31 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Tyler, Shreveport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tuscaloosa | Austin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 87.722 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.396 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 58.246 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Austin runs about 11.8% more expensive overall than Tuscaloosa β RPP 87.722 β 98.066.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $228,947 in Tuscaloosa to $508,530 in Austin, a 11.8% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Tuscaloosa +1.1%, Austin -5.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tuscaloosa | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 57.3" | 36.3" |
Expect 5.7Β°F warmer year-round on the 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: NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US, AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tuscaloosa | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,699 | 967,862 |
| Median household income | $48,536 | $91,461 |
| Median age | 28.2 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.2 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.8% β $48,536 β $91,461 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Alabama 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.
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
Is Austin more expensive than Tuscaloosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Austin is 11.8% higher than Tuscaloosa (98.066 vs 87.722, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Austin compare to Tuscaloosa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Austin MSA vs $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 103,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tuscaloosa to Austin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 728 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 Tuscaloosa vs Austin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,461 in Austin vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa β a 88.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Austin compared to Tuscaloosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,530 in Austin vs $228,947 in Tuscaloosa β a 122.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Austin, TX from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance is 728 mi and the route typically takes 13h 27m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 4 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 Tuscaloosa.
City profiles: Tuscaloosa, AL Β· Austin, TX.