Moving from Austin, TX to Baltimore, MD
Cross-country relocations like Austin, TX β Baltimore, MD cover 1560 mi and about 28h 2m of driving through 5 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1560 mi Β· 28h 2m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β VA β MD
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β VA β MD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Arlington, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Austin | Baltimore | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 104.487 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 110.215 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.353 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 118.194 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 98.066 in Austin to 104.487 in Baltimore, a 6.5% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Baltimore: 6.5% below Austin on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Austin -5.7%, Baltimore -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Austin | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 42Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.3" | 43.7" |
Climate cools by 10.9Β°F on the annual average β 70.0Β°F β 59.1Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US, MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Austin | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 967,862 | 577,193 |
| Median household income | $91,461 | $59,623 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.2% | 18.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.3 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.5% between Austin and Baltimore (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Baltimore MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,740 | $46,770 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,980 | $42,010 |
| Management Occupations | 113,490 | $120,070 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 107,080 | $84,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 102,740 | $35,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Maryland
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Maryland'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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Baltimore average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.9Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Maryland after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Baltimore compare to Austin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA vs $50,070 in the Austin MSA, on total employment of 1,304,310 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Austin to Baltimore?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1560 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 Austin vs Baltimore?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,623 in Baltimore vs $91,461 in Austin β a 34.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Baltimore more expensive than Austin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Baltimore is 6.5% higher than Austin (104.487 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Baltimore compared to Austin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $188,101 in Baltimore vs $508,530 in Austin β a 63.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Baltimore, MD from Austin, TX?
The driving distance is 1560 mi and the route typically takes 28h 2m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 5 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 Austin.
City profiles: Austin, TX Β· Baltimore, MD.