Moving from Austin, TX, to Los Angeles, CA

Discover Austin on a larger scale in Los Angeles 

With Austin being one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country, it’s not uncommon to hear Texas’ capitol city referred to as “the new L.A.” Both spots offer warm-weather climates with beautiful outdoor recreational opportunities, a vibrant arts and music scene, a young and diverse population base, and progressive ideals.  

But what if you’re flipping that around and planning a move from Austin to L.A.? Find out a few things to expect living in the City of Angels — and then discover how you can move there hassle-free without breaking the bank. 

Expect to pay more living on the West Coast 

Texas has no state income tax, but that’s not the case in California, so be prepared. Los Angeles has long been one of the nation’s most expensive places to live, but Austin is quickly gaining ground thanks to its growth and popularity. According to Numbeo, L.A. ranked 16th in the cost-of-living index compared to Austin (35th). 

The cost differential isn’t a surprise when you consider that Los Angeles, with a population of 4 million, is four times the size of Austin. Median home prices are 60 percent more expensive in L.A. ($912,000 vs. $577,000), and transportation costs are about 50 percent higher.  

Explore thriving music and arts  

With over 250 live music venues, Austin more than lives up to its reputation as “The Live Music Capital of the World.” Music fans should feel right at home in Los Angeles, which has a famous music scene of its own. Iconic venues include The Greek Theatre, a 6,000-seat outdoor structure in beautiful Griffith Park, The Wiltern, Whisky a Go Go, and Troubadour. 

Art lovers will enjoy world-class offerings like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (the largest art museum in the western U.S.), The Getty Center and the Norton Simon Museum. Street art fans can explore the large-scale murals and other downtown installations throughout The Arts District. 

Explore delicious dining options on the go 

Few cities rival Austin when it comes to quality, creativity and variety of food options. Good news — if you’re an Austinite relocating to L.A., you won’t have to sacrifice anything! Food trucks are trendy in both cities, thanks to a large base of entrepreneurs, adventurous foodies, and mild year-round weather. According to Best Food Trucks, a leading food booking and ordering platform, L.A. (No. 1) and Austin (No. 5) rank among the Top 10 Food Truck Cities in America. 

Save on your long-distance move with U-Pack.  

Despite being separated by 1,400 miles, moving from Austin to Los Angeles doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With U-Pack®, it’s easy and affordable; you pack and load your things into our equipment, and we’ll handle the driving! For more than 25 years, we’ve helped people across North America move long distance — and we can help you, too. Find a service center near you and get started with a free quote.