Moving from Tyler, TX to Austin, TX
The 231 mi from Tyler to Austin translate to about 4h 19m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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 · 4h 19m by car · 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
| Tyler | Austin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.156 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.904 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.911 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 6.4% pricier overall in Austin than Tyler on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Austin typical home at $508,530 is 6.4% above Tyler at $251,563 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tyler -1.0%, Austin -5.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tyler | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 42°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 97°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 0.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.7" | 36.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 66.5°F vs 70.0°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Austin sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TYLER, TX US, AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tyler | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,718 | 967,862 |
| Median household income | $65,527 | $91,461 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.4% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.2 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 6.4% between Tyler and Austin (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Austin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 Austin average 97°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
How far is Austin, TX from Tyler, 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 much do homes cost in Austin compared to Tyler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,530 in Austin vs $251,563 in Tyler — a 102.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Austin more expensive than Tyler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Austin is 6.4% higher than Tyler (98.066 vs 92.156, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Austin compare to Tyler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Austin MSA vs $39,080 in the Tyler MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 111,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tyler to Austin?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% 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 — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Tyler vs Austin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,461 in Austin vs $65,527 in Tyler — a 39.6% higher 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 Tyler.
City profiles: Tyler, TX · Austin, TX.