We believe that every move is a new journey in your life and should be treated that way. The home you saved up for, and the memories you’re about to create, should be greeted with great enthusiasm and expectation. It’s about the next chapter in your life that will be looked back on in the years to come.
Atlanta vs Austin | ⭐️ Which City Is Better for You?
Trying to decide between moving to Atlanta vs Austin? When considering Atlanta and Austin, consider your lifestyle choices, financial situation, and personal interests. Both big cities have a lot of similarities that invite comparison. They both have amazing cuisine, thriving economies, and a fun culture with exciting nightlife and attractions. They’re also both attracting tons of new residents, particularly young professionals, millennials, and young families.
You can decide which one of the two cities is for you by getting comprehensive details. Here’s a complete guide to the positives and negatives of living in each city.
Start a comparison by looking at the biggest advantages and drawbacks Atlanta and Austin have to offer. Here’s our list of the biggest things you’ll love and hate about Atlanta, GA versus Austin, TX.
Do you have questions about moving to Atlanta? Call 404-635-6683 and learn more from Wirks Moving!
Living in Atlanta Pros
It’s Easy to Get around Atlanta
One benefit of living in Atlanta is the great infrastructure, with robust public transportation and an extensive highway system. Atlanta’sMARTA rail system has four service lines and 38 rail stations serving downtown neighborhoods, the airport, and surrounding communities. There’s also a robust bus system that serves all of Metro Atlanta, plus a streetcar and free shuttles!
It’s simply far easier to get around Atlanta as opposed to Austin. Austin doesn’t have public transit that compares with MARTA. You’ll definitely need a car anywhere outside downtown Austin.
Atlanta Is Ideally Located for Tons of Road Trip Opportunities
One of the perks of living in ATL? Its ideal location in the Southeast also makes it easy to visit other cities, beaches, and mountains! Here are just some fun destinations an easy drive away from Atlanta:
Lake Oconee near Greensboro, GA is a popular resort destination 85 miles away
Toccoa Falls, GA is 90 minutes outside Atlanta, and it’s the South’s answer to Niagara Falls (and actually higher!)
Chattanooga, TN is just 117 miles away with world-class mountain climbing, hiking, and kayaking
Birmingham, AL is just over two hours away with a rich history in the civil rights movement
Asheville, North Carolina is a top destination for craft breweries and outdoor activities like rafting, about three hours away
A four-hour drive can take you to Savannah, Georgia, with its beautiful beaches, and Charleston, South Carolina, with its stellar cuisine
When you compare and contrast Atlanta versus Austin, you’ll notice Austin is right in the middle of Texas. The only places you can day trip to are other Texas cities like Houston (165 miles) and Atlanta (80 miles). There are definitely some fun destinations around Austin, but say goodbye to natural wonders and vastly different cultures.
Do you want to raise kids in a conveniently located and fun city? Contact Wirks Moving and set up your upcoming move to Atlanta today!
Atlanta Is a Culture and Entertainment Hub
Atlanta has a young population, bustling urban areas, and parks with open green spaces. Atlanta is famous for its nightlife, culture, and attractions that make it a top destination for entertainment. Families appreciate attractions like Zoo Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. The city boasts tons of artistic destinations like the historic Fox Theatre. You can also visit the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre with the Atlanta Ballet and Atlanta Opera.
You’ll love Atlanta’s cool nightlife with cocktail lounges, rooftop bars, dive bars, and hopping nightclubs. Dance the night away to techno and funk at the Sound Table. Enjoy boozy slushies and old-school video games at the Joystick Gamebar. Take in a game of sophisticated bowling with craft cocktails at The Painted Pin. Watch for celebrities at the Havana Club, Atlanta’s most famous nightclub in Buckhead.
When you compare Atlanta vs. Austin, you’ll find they have similar scenes. Austin definitely has a lot of entertainment too. However, the ATL has more, and everything they do, they do bigger.
Different neighborhoods in the ATL feel like totally different cities. For example, the culture, architecture, and overall scene in Midtown or Grant Park is nothing like Buckhead or Morningside.
There Is a Strong Jobs Market in Atlanta
Atlanta has America’s 10th-largest economy and one of the largest in the world. It’s one of the top four cities for Fortune 500 headquarters and hit an all-time low for unemployment in 2020. A major positive of living in Atlanta is a strong and diverse economy. You can apply for high-paying careers in logistics, healthcare, and finance. It’s also home to a rapidly growing film production industry that’s made it the Hollywood of the South!
Are you ready to make money without paying hidden costs on property taxes? Call 404-635-6683 for a free estimate on moving to Atlanta today!
Living in Atlanta Cons
Traffic in Atlanta Is Insane
Complaining about the traffic is a common pastime in Atlanta. It’s easy to get around the city, but it isn’t fast. The mass transit system, while one of the best in the country, still leaves a lot to be desired. Metro Atlanta is home to about six million people with many commuting to Atlanta for work, creating traffic congestion.
The average Atlanta resident spends 17% of their time driving stuck in traffic. The average commute is 35 minutes driving or 53 minutes by bus or train. That’s the second highest in the U.S. after Los Angeles!
Living in Austin Pros
Austin Has a Great Music Scene
Love music? One of the big positives of living in Austin is there’s always something playing. From outdoor festivals and live summer concerts to theaters, Austin has a thriving and diverse music scene you’ll love. Even Austin airport restaurants host live bands with everything from R&B, country, folk, and jazz to rock, pop, and metal.
Austin even has ways to enjoy music you won’t find elsewhere. The Alamo Drafthouse in the historic former Ritz Theatre hosts themed dance parties with music videos projected in the auditorium.
Need help deciding whether to move to Atlanta vs Austin? Schedule an appointment with Wirks Moving and find the right city to move to today!
Austin Has a Laid Back Vibe
People in Austin like to stay casual. You’ll feel right at home wearing flip flops and shorts all day without the need to get dressed up. This relaxed atmosphere makes Austin feel like a small town, not a huge and growing metro area. You can meet friendly residents and enjoy a lack of hustle in this big city.
Living in Austin Cons
Austin Has a Lot of Sprawl and Traffic
As they say, Austin is only an hour away from Austin. The city is three times larger in terms of area than Atlanta with a lot of urban sprawl. The huge UT campus is part of the problem.
While traffic isn’t as bad in Austin in comparison with Atlanta, it’s still pretty bad. I-35 gets so congested during rush hour that you can leave your car to grab a bite to eat. It isn’t just the highways, either. Most streets in Austin get extremely congested, which means it takes a long time to get where you’re going.
Want to avoid sprawl and traffic while you're moving? Call 404-635-6683 and hire efficient and experienced movers in Atlanta today!
The Austin Real Estate Market Is Out of Control
Austin home prices recently hit another all-time high of $515,000, up 25% year-over-year and topping $500,000. Inventory is incredibly low at just 0.4 months, not the six-month supply you want to see in a balanced market. Homes for sale in Austin receive an average of eight offers!
Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. But its median home price also grew faster than anywhere else in the U.S. by far. If you’re thinking about buying, make sure you consider this major downside of moving to Austin.
Cost of Living in Atlanta vs Austin
When you compare the cost of living in Atlanta versus Austin, you’ll find they’re pretty similar. Both are close to the national average, but there are many differences that set them apart. The Atlanta cost of living index is 107, compared to the Austin cost of living index of 119. Here’s a look at the differences between living in Atlanta compared to Austin in terms of cost.
Home prices are 40% cheaper in Atlanta versus Austin, TX
Groceries are 2% cheaper in Atlanta vs. Austin
Transportation is 13% cheaper in Austin versus Atlanta
Rent is 8% cheaper in Austin vs Atlanta (Austin average rent is $1,411 compared to $1,527 in Atlanta)
You can also look at Atlanta in comparison with Austin in terms of average pay. The average salary in Atlanta is $68k, while Austin has an average salary of $72k. That’s a difference of less than 6% — not enough to make up for the higher housing costs. You can afford the cheapest places to live in Atlanta on an average salary.
Learn more about the Atlanta cost of living here to get a better idea of the living expenses you can expect.
Do you want to avoid paying high state taxes or experiencing high crime? Schedule your upcoming move with Wirks Moving now!
Additional Things to Consider Between Atlanta Versus Austin
Population
Atlanta has a population of 507,000 in 137 square miles, with a metro population of 6 million. The population density is 3,670 people per square mile. By comparison, Austin is home to 790,000 people in 326 square miles, with a metro population of 2.2 million. The population density is 3,060 people per square mile.
While Austin has a much larger population, it’s spread over a much larger area. Atlanta feels more condensed, easier to navigate, walkable, and has more attractions.
Crime Rate in Atlanta vs Austin
Which city is safe: Atlanta or Austin? When you compare crime in Atlanta versus Austin, you’ll find Atlanta is a much safer city. The Atlanta crime rate is 5,423 total crimes per 100,000 people versus 4,111 crimes per 100,000 people in Austin.
Want to raise your family in a city with great police and low crime rates? Call 404-635-6683 to start a stress-free moving experience to Atlanta now!
Atlanta vs Austin Outdoor Recreation
As you compare Atlanta versus Austin, you’ll notice the cities have a lot in common, including their excellent outdoor recreation.
Atlanta is a city unlike any other. It's nicknamed the City in a Forest for its bounty of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, lakes, and trees. You can easily find yourself far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Kayak, paddleboard, or even float down the Chattahoochee River. Hike Stone Mountain for downtown views, jog or bike the BeltLine paths, or enjoy skateboarding at Piedmont Park.
Austin, by comparison, has more than 250 parks. You can go kayaking on Lake Bird Lake, fish at Lake Austin, and even go caving. Austin’s Barton Creek Greenbelt offers rock climbing, biking, bouldering, and swimming. Austin is one of America’s fittest cities!
Austin comes out ahead with more diverse outdoor recreation and tons of opportunities within the city. However, the ATL still boasts better parks overall, and it’s close enough to road trip to even more outdoor activities.
Sports in Atlanta vs Austin
If you’re a big sports fan, Atlanta will definitely come out ahead when you compare the ATL vs Austin. One of the strengths of living in Atlanta is it has everything, including college and professional sports. Professional sports teams include the Braves (MLB), Falcons (NFL), Hawks (NBA), Dream (WNBA), and the United FC (MLS). Atlanta is also a huge college football city with Georgia State and Georgia Tech campuses.
The Austin metro area has no major league professional sports team. Enough said.
Are you ready to enjoy fun sporting events in Atlanta? Make an appointment with Wirks Moving and start relocating to Atlanta now!
Atlanta to Austin Distance
How far is Atlanta from Austin, TX? These Southern cities are 956 miles apart or an almost 14-hour drive along I-10. Here’s how to get from Atlanta to Austin. Don’t want to give up one city while living in the other? You can find cheap flights from ATL to AUS under $50 one-way!
Atlanta vs. Austin: Where Are You Moving?
Now that you’ve compared the Silicon Hills vs the ATL, where do you see yourself living? If you’re most interested in live music and a younger hipster vibe, Austin may be calling your name. If you prefer a robust selection of entertainment with lower housing costs, you should move to the best Atlanta neighborhoods.
If you have settled on Atlanta, Wirks Moving & Storage is here to help. Give us a call at 404-635-6683 so we can deliver the stress-free moving experience you deserve.
Eric Wirks
Eric Wirks started out in the moving industry over 16 years ago and after gaining in depth expertise in all industry related areas, went on to found Wirks Moving & Storage in 2009. Under Eric’s expert tutelage Wirks Moving & Storage has since serviced over 10,000 moves and kept their customers very happy, proven by a 98% customer referral rate.
