Is it cheaper to live in Austin than New York?

Yes, substantially for most people leaving New York City. The largest savings are no Texas income tax (New York City residents pay both state and city income tax), far lower housing costs, and lower day-to-day expenses. The main offset is that you will likely need a car. Most movers still see a meaningful drop in cost of living, but confirm your own numbers with a tax advisor.

Does Texas have a state or city income tax?

No. Texas has neither. New York State's top rate is around 10.9%, and New York City adds a local income tax up to about 3.9% for city residents, so a city resident can pay both. Eliminating that combined burden is a major reason New Yorkers relocate to Austin. This is general information, not tax advice.

Are property taxes higher in Texas than New York?

Not necessarily. New York's suburbs, including Westchester and Long Island, carry some of the highest property taxes in the country, often above the Austin area's roughly 1.8% to 2.0%. New York City coops and condos are generally taxed more lightly. So depending on where you are leaving, your Texas property tax could be lower or higher. Model your specific home with the Tarrytown property tax calculator.

How much more house can I buy in Austin than New York?

Usually far more. Proceeds from a Manhattan apartment or an expensive suburb frequently reach an established West Austin home with real land, which is out of reach across much of the New York metro. At the high end, Tarrytown and Lake Austin waterfront still often price below comparable New York-area luxury.

What is the best Austin neighborhood for people moving from New York?

It depends on what you valued in New York. For an established, walkable, in-town neighborhood with mature trees, character, top schools, and quick access to water, Tarrytown in West Austin (ZIP 78703) is the closest analog, sitting along Lake Austin minutes from downtown and the University of Texas. It is more car-dependent than the city, but among Austin's most walkable established neighborhoods. Verify current school attendance zones with Austin ISD.

Is it cheaper to live in Austin than New York?

Yes, substantially for most people leaving New York City. The largest savings are no Texas income tax (New York City residents pay both state and city income tax), far lower housing costs, and lower day-to-day expenses. The main offset is that you will likely need a car. Most movers still see a meaningful drop in cost of living, but confirm your own numbers with a tax advisor.

Does Texas have a state or city income tax?

No. Texas has neither. New York State's top rate is around 10.9%, and New York City adds a local income tax up to about 3.9% for city residents, so a city resident can pay both. Eliminating that combined burden is a major reason New Yorkers relocate to Austin. This is general information, not tax advice.

Are property taxes higher in Texas than New York?

Not necessarily. New York's suburbs, including Westchester and Long Island, carry some of the highest property taxes in the country, often above the Austin area's roughly 1.8% to 2.0%. New York City coops and condos are generally taxed more lightly. So depending on where you are leaving, your Texas property tax could be lower or higher. Model your specific home with the Tarrytown property tax calculator.

How much more house can I buy in Austin than New York?

Usually far more. Proceeds from a Manhattan apartment or an expensive suburb frequently reach an established West Austin home with real land, which is out of reach across much of the New York metro. At the high end, Tarrytown and Lake Austin waterfront still often price below comparable New York-area luxury.

What is the best Austin neighborhood for people moving from New York?

It depends on what you valued in New York. For an established, walkable, in-town neighborhood with mature trees, character, top schools, and quick access to water, Tarrytown in West Austin (ZIP 78703) is the closest analog, sitting along Lake Austin minutes from downtown and the University of Texas. It is more car-dependent than the city, but among Austin's most walkable established neighborhoods. Verify current school attendance zones with Austin ISD.

A tree-canopied Tarrytown street of stone and brick homes under mature oaks at golden hour, Austin

Relocation · From New York

Moving to Austin
from New York

An honest, local read on what actually changes when you trade the city for Central Texas: the taxes, the dollars, the commute, and where a neighborhood like Tarrytown fits.

The short answer

Is it worth moving from New York to Austin?

For many New Yorkers the finances are compelling: Texas has no state or city income tax, while New York City layers both, housing costs far less, and daily expenses drop sharply. The real trade-offs are giving up world-class transit and walkability, and hot summers. Whether it fits depends on how much you value dense city life.

New York has become one of Austin’s largest sources of new residents, and most arrive weighing the same questions: what happens to my taxes, how far does my money go, and what do I lose by leaving the city. This guide answers them plainly, from someone who sells homes in West Austin every week, not from a relocation brochure.

The short version: the finances usually favor the move, often dramatically for city residents paying both state and city income tax. What you trade is density, transit, and walkability for space, trees, and a car. The right way to decide is to compare honestly and run your own numbers.

Side by side

New York vs Austin, honestly

New York

Austin

Income tax: New YorkState up to about 10.9%, plus a New York City tax up to about 3.9%; AustinNone, no state or city income tax
Property tax: New YorkAmong the highest in the nation in the suburbs, lighter on NYC coops and condos; AustinRoughly 1.8% to 2.0% of value, reassessed toward market
Home prices: New YorkAmong the highest in the country, led by Manhattan and nearby suburbs; AustinYour equity typically buys far more home
Cost of living: New YorkVery high, led by housing; AustinSubstantially lower
Getting around: New YorkWorld-class transit, highly walkable; AustinCar-oriented, though in-town areas like Tarrytown walk to parks and the lake
Climate: New YorkFour seasons, cold and snowy winters; AustinHot summers, mild winters, long sunny shoulder seasons

General comparison for planning only, not tax or financial advice. Tax rates and home prices change and vary by location and situation. Confirm specifics with a tax advisor and current market data.

The tax trade that drives the move

New York City residents pay among the highest combined income taxes in the country: New York State up to about 10.9%, plus a city income tax up to about 3.9% on top. Texas has neither. For a high earner leaving the city, that alone can be a very large annual difference.

Property tax is more of a wash than people expect. New York’s suburbs carry some of the highest property taxes in the nation, often above Austin’s rate, while New York City coops and condos are taxed more lightly. So moving from a Westchester or Long Island home, your Texas property tax may actually be lower. Model the actual tax on a specific Austin home with the Tarrytown property tax calculator, then weigh it against the income tax you would stop paying.

Where Tarrytown fits

The established, walkable neighborhood, with room to breathe

If what you valued in New York was an established, walkable neighborhood with good schools and real character, Tarrytown is the West Austin answer. It sits along Lake Austin in ZIP 78703, minutes from downtown and the University of Texas, with mature live oaks, distinctive architecture, and top-rated Casis Elementary. It is more car-oriented than Manhattan or brownstone Brooklyn, but it is among Austin’s most established in-town neighborhoods, and your housing dollar goes much further.

See Tarrytown homes for sale Read the neighborhood guide

Buying from New York, before you move

Many New York buyers purchase before they ever relocate, often sight-unseen. It works with virtual tours, an honest local read on neighborhoods, commutes, and schools, and access to off-market homes that never reach the public listings, which matters in a tight, high-value market like Tarrytown. Luke Allen helps relocating buyers do exactly this every season, so you move with real information rather than guesswork.

Common questions

Moving from New York to Austin, answered

Is it cheaper to live in Austin than New York?: Yes, substantially for most people leaving New York City. The largest savings are no Texas income tax (New York City residents pay both state and city income tax), far lower housing costs, and lower day-to-day expenses. The main offset is that you will likely need a car. Most movers still see a meaningful drop in cost of living, but confirm your own numbers with a tax advisor.
Does Texas have a state or city income tax?: No. Texas has neither. New York State's top rate is around 10.9%, and New York City adds a local income tax up to about 3.9% for city residents, so a city resident can pay both. Eliminating that combined burden is a major reason New Yorkers relocate to Austin. This is general information, not tax advice.
Are property taxes higher in Texas than New York?: Not necessarily. New York's suburbs, including Westchester and Long Island, carry some of the highest property taxes in the country, often above the Austin area's roughly 1.8% to 2.0%. New York City coops and condos are generally taxed more lightly. So depending on where you are leaving, your Texas property tax could be lower or higher. Model your specific home with the Tarrytown property tax calculator.
How much more house can I buy in Austin than New York?: Usually far more. Proceeds from a Manhattan apartment or an expensive suburb frequently reach an established West Austin home with real land, which is out of reach across much of the New York metro. At the high end, Tarrytown and Lake Austin waterfront still often price below comparable New York-area luxury.
What is the best Austin neighborhood for people moving from New York?: It depends on what you valued in New York. For an established, walkable, in-town neighborhood with mature trees, character, top schools, and quick access to water, Tarrytown in West Austin (ZIP 78703) is the closest analog, sitting along Lake Austin minutes from downtown and the University of Texas. It is more car-dependent than the city, but among Austin's most walkable established neighborhoods. Verify current school attendance zones with Austin ISD.
How do I buy a home in Austin from out of state?: Many New York buyers purchase before they move, often sight-unseen. The process works with virtual tours, an honest local read on neighborhoods, commutes, and schools, and access to off-market homes that never reach the public listings. Luke Allen regularly helps relocating buyers do exactly this. Call or text 254-718-2567 or send a note to start a focused, no-pressure search.

Continue through Tarrytown

Moving to Austin from CaliforniaAn honest tax, cost, and lifestyle comparison for CA movers.Read more →Relocating to TarrytownEmployer-by-employer guides to moving to West Austin.Read more →Property Tax CalculatorEstimate Travis County property tax on a Tarrytown home.Read more →Tarrytown Neighborhood GuideHistory, boundaries, architecture, amenities, and who lives here.Read more →Tarrytown Homes for SaleLive MLS listings inside the Tarrytown boundary, updated daily.Read more →Tarrytown Realtor: Luke AllenWhy a Tarrytown and Lake Austin specialist matters.Read more →

Work with Luke

Moving from New York?

Tell Luke what you are leaving and what matters most, and he will map Tarrytown and West Austin to your budget, your taxes, and your timeline, with no pressure.

Luke Allen

Licensed Texas REALTOR, TREC #788149

Austin Marketing + Development Group

Call 254-718-2567 Text Luke

Moving to Austinfrom New York