Moving from Austin, TX to Tyler, TX
The 231 mi from Austin to Tyler translate to about 4h 19m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
231 mi Β· 4h 19m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | TX 31, I 35, LOOP 1 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Austin | Tyler | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 92.156 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 82.904 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 79.911 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 98.066 to 92.156, putting Tyler roughly 6.0% below Austin on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Tyler: 6.0% below Austin on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Austin -5.7%, Tyler -1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Austin | Tyler |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 42Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.3" | 47.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US, TYLER, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Austin | Tyler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 967,862 | 107,718 |
| Median household income | $91,461 | $65,527 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.2% | 20.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.86 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.0% between Austin and Tyler (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tyler MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 12,210 | $37,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 11,080 | $38,150 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,660 | $71,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,430 | $26,300 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,210 | $30,020 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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 Tyler average 93Β°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.
Frequently asked
Is Tyler more expensive than Austin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tyler is 6.0% lower than Austin (92.156 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Tyler compared to Austin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,563 in Tyler vs $508,530 in Austin β a 50.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Austin to Tyler?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 231 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Tyler, TX from Austin, TX?
The driving distance is 231 mi and the route typically takes 4h 19m via TX 31 and I 35. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Tyler compare to Austin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,080 in the Tyler MSA vs $50,070 in the Austin MSA, on total employment of 111,520 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Austin vs Tyler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,527 in Tyler vs $91,461 in Austin β a 28.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Austin.
City profiles: Austin, TX Β· Tyler, TX.