Austin City Guide

Everything you need to know about relocating to Austin, Texas

If you’re considering relocating to Austin, Texas, then you’re not alone. Home to Apple, 3M, Facebook, Google, a foodie’s paradise, and 300 days of sunshine a year – it’s no surprise Austin is a magnet for anyone looking to live and work in a Stateside technology hub.

Austin is the capital of Texas. It spans three counties and has a population of 984,567 people with a very unique culture of music, food, and cool that places Austin as the best place to live on the US News’ Best Places to Live in the USA list.

Titles like “Live Music Capital of the World” and “Keep Austin Weird” are proudly embraced by true Austinites. This sun-soaked city is bursting with opportunity, culture, and an undeniable energy that has drawn stars like Owen Wilson, Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConaughey, Nelly, Andy Roddick, Elijah Wood, and Renée Zellweger to call it home. In recent years, high-profile tech entrepreneurs and musicians have also settled here, adding to the city's ever-evolving vibrancy.

Housing in Austin, Texas  

The cost of living in Austin is high compared to life elsewhere in Texas, but it’s still around 2% lower than the national average cost of living in the States. Having said that, the actual cost of housing is around 2% higher than the national average. Austin has seen a growth in house prices over recent years, and its status as a major tech city is making the city attractive to young home-buyers.

The average cost of a home in Austin is around $514,193 – that’s higher than the average cost of a house in Texas, which is a more moderate $200,400. However, this is offset by the average wage paid in Austin being much higher than elsewhere in Texas.

For those wanting to rent in Austin, the average cost of renting is not far off the average national rental cost. In some of the more up-market areas of Austin like Downtown and West Austin, the luxury homes and high-rise apartments can demand rents of more than $2,500, but head north and you’ll get better value for money with rental costs of around $1,000. More popular neighborhoods such as Travis Heights, Hyde Park, South Congress, and East Riverside tend to have much more sensible rental rates that hover somewhere around the national average of $1,500.

Becoming a homeowner in Austin is much more attainable than buying somewhere like San Francisco or New York, with a typical house price of $514,193. Cedar Park, Pflugerville, and Round Rock are worth taking a look at. Also, if you are buying a property in Texas, you’ll need to set aside around 2.06% for property tax.

Visa requirements for non US residents in Austin

If you’re staying in Texas for less than 90 days, you may be exempt from needing a visa. This is dependent on you being from one of the 38 countries on the Visa Waiver Program. You’ll need a full US working visa if you’re looking to live and work in Austin, Texas. However, if you’re not, you’ll need a non-immigrant work visa.

If you do need a long-term visa, the visa you need will be dependent on your own situation. Where you’re from, how long you are staying, the type of work you will be doing, and more will all have their part to play in the type of visa you need.

For the most up-to-date visa information for the US, visit the official US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website: 🔗 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html

This site provides details on work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.), eligibility requirements, and the application process

The cost of living in Austin

In Austin, a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost around $60, but a McDonald's or equivalent fast-food meal will only set you back around $8. You can enjoy a domestic draught beer for around $5, whereas an imported bottle will cost around $7. And you can expect to pay around $2.62 for a loaf of bread and just a little more for a dozen eggs.

Salaries in Austin

According to salary expert, the average salary in Austin, Texas is $60,670 per year. However, this is an average, and salaries can go much higher – particularly in tech, with so many Fortune 500 companies clamoring for technology skills and expertise. For example, a Dev+ Engineer can expect to command a cool $129,910, whilst a UX Design manager can expect a salary of $108,000. For those with experience in data and analytics, a typical salary would be around $105,000.

Commuting and Public Transport in and around Austin 

With 1,600 bus stops and 82 different bus routes, the Capital Metro Bus System will not leave you stranded. Central Texas itself is served by local MetroRapid limited-stop, MetroFlyer, MetroExpress, and University of Texas Shuttle Routes. Day passes start at just $2.50, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to get around town. However, a bus isn’t your only option. There’s the MetroRail train, which operates 6 days a week, taxis, bikes and scooter rentals that can be collected from more than 40 different stations, and even pedicabs, which are pulled by licensed cyclists who work solely on tips.

The Education system in Austin

The Texan state provides a public school system (like the British state school system), which is free for all children in Texas. These schools are self-governing with their own leadership but are accountable to the state. The system is made up of elementary schools, which feed into middle schools that then feed into high schools. After which, students can choose to go on to college or University.

There are private school options too, which typically cost around $10,119 per year. But some private schools do advertise fees as low as $2,000.

Global technology companies in Austin

The list of global tech firms that have found a home in Austin, Texas, is immense. AMD, Adobe, Amazon, Apple, Arm Holdings, AT&T, Atlassian, and that’s just the As. Other notable companies include Hewlett-Packard, Facebook (now Meta), Dropbox, eBay, Nokia, IBM … the list goes on.

Dell Technologies is the 4th largest employer in the region, with more than 14,030 employees, and Samsung Austin Semiconductor employs just under 9,000 people.

It isn’t just global tech giants that you’ll find in Silicon Hill; there are numerous start-ups too. Some of those you might have heard of include Babylon, BigCommerce, Aristocrat, and Bestow. In fact, with such a diverse range of companies, all offering a diverse range of packages, you can find the role that best suits your lifestyle in Austin. There are some companies offering tuition support, those offering flexible working, a few that advertise unlimited vacation days, and some that actively promote diversity.

Things to do in Austin in your spare time 

If you’re craving green space, head to Zilker Park, where you can rent a canoe, paddleboard, or take a dip in Barton Springs Pool—a spring-fed oasis that stays a refreshing 68–70°F (20–21°C) year-round. For a dose of history, visit the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum, where you can browse recorded phone conversations from the former president alongside fascinating historical artifacts. The Bullock Texas State History Museum is another must-see, offering an immersive look into Texas’ rich past.

Shopping for an authentic Texan look? Allen’s Boots has you covered. And if you’re a foodie, you’re in for a treat—while Sandra Bullock’s Walton’s Fancy and Staple remains a local favorite, Austin’s food scene has exploded with world-class dining spots like Franklin Barbecue, Uchi, and a thriving food truck culture.

A defining part of Austin’s identity is The University of Texas, which infuses the city with youthful energy and a strong sporting culture. To experience the city like a true Austinite, catch a Longhorns football game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium or watch the basketball team in action at the Moody Center—the sea of burnt orange, the chants, and the electric atmosphere make for an unforgettable experience.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Austin offers plenty of ways to stay active. Hike the 10-mile trail around Lady Bird Lake, rent an electric bike to cruise The Boardwalk, or cool off at Deep Eddy Pool—the oldest swimming pool in Texas. And nature lovers don’t have to go far to witness something truly special. Every evening from late March to early autumn, 1.5 million bats emerge from beneath Congress Avenue Bridge, forming the largest urban bat colony in North America. It’s a spectacle that draws locals and tourists alike, and in August 2025, Austin will celebrate the 20th annual Bat Fest, featuring live music, food vendors, and craft stalls.

Whether you’re here for the music, the food, the outdoor adventures, or the electric energy, Austin never disappoints.

To find out more about our Austin job opportunities, you can search here or drop us a line at enquiry@ic-resources.com.