Austin, Texas, long celebrated as a boomtown and a magnet for tech talent, creatives, and entrepreneurs, is experiencing a notable shift in its migration patterns. Once the fastest-growing large metro area in the United States for 12 consecutive years, the city’s explosive growth has begun to cool. A combination of soaring living costs, a shifting job market, and quality of life considerations are prompting a growing number of Austinites to seek opportunities elsewhere. This article explores the top 10 cities that are attracting former Austin residents, drawing on recent data to understand the driving forces behind this urban exodus.
While Austin’s allure remains strong for many, a 2022 Redfin report revealed that 27% of Austin residents were looking to relocate to another city [1]. This trend has been substantiated by more recent data showing a significant slowdown in domestic migration to the Austin area. In 2023, Travis County, which includes Austin, experienced more people moving out than in, a trend that would have led to an overall population decline if not for a simultaneous increase in international migration [2].
This outmigration is not just a story of people leaving a city, but a reflection of evolving priorities and the search for a better balance of affordability, career opportunities, and lifestyle. The following sections delve into the top 10 destinations for those leaving Austin, examining the unique appeal of each city and the factors that make them attractive alternatives to the Texas capital.
The Top 10 Destinations
Based on a combination of data from U-Haul’s 2025 mid-year migration report and Redfin’s 2022 analysis, a clear picture emerges of where Austinites are heading. The list includes a mix of in-state and out-of-state cities, each offering a distinct set of advantages.
1. Denver, Colorado
Denver has emerged as the top out-of-state destination for people leaving Austin, according to U-Haul’s 2025 mid-year migration report [3]. The Mile High City’s appeal lies in its stunning natural beauty, access to outdoor recreation, and a more balanced lifestyle. While the cost of living in Denver is slightly higher than in Austin, with Redfin data indicating it is 12% more expensive overall, many former Austinites are drawn to the city’s cooler climate and vibrant, yet more relaxed, urban environment [4].
A key factor in this migration is the housing market. While both cities have seen rising home prices, Denver offers a different value proposition. The median home price in Denver is approximately $587,500, compared to Austin’s $485,000 [5, 6]. However, for those seeking a lifestyle centered around outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, the premium is often worth it. The ability to live in a city with easy access to the Rocky Mountains is a significant draw for many.
“Overall, I think the Denver metro area is a much better place to live. It’s beautiful, sunny, easy to navigate and the people are friendly.” – Reddit user, r/SameGrassButGreener [7]
The job market in Denver is also a major draw. While Austin’s tech scene has been a primary driver of its growth, Denver boasts a more diversified economy with strong sectors in aerospace, healthcare, and finance. In June 2025, Colorado reported 136,000 job openings, indicating a robust and growing job market [8]. This provides a wider range of career opportunities for those looking to move beyond the tech-centric landscape of Austin.
Finally, the climate in Denver offers a distinct change from Austin’s hot and humid summers. The desire for four distinct seasons and a climate more conducive to year-round outdoor activities is a frequently cited reason for the move. While Austin’s weather can be unpredictable and often uncomfortably hot, Denver’s climate is a significant “pull factor” for those seeking a change of scenery and lifestyle.
2. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles stands as another major destination for those departing Austin, ranking high on both the U-Haul and Redfin lists [1, 3]. The City of Angels offers a stark contrast to Austin in terms of scale, diversity, and culture. While the cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher—Redfin data shows it is 51% more expensive than Austin, with a median home price of $915,000—the allure of its world-renowned entertainment industry, diverse job market, and iconic lifestyle continues to attract a steady stream of new residents [5].
The sheer size and diversity of the Los Angeles job market is a major draw. Beyond the entertainment industry, LA is a major hub for international trade, manufacturing, and technology. This provides a wide array of career opportunities that may not be available in Austin’s more tech-focused economy. For those seeking to advance their careers in a global city, Los Angeles presents a compelling option.
Despite the high cost of living, many former Austinites are willing to make the trade-off for the unique lifestyle that Los Angeles offers. From its beautiful beaches and vibrant arts scene to its world-class dining and entertainment, LA provides a cultural richness that is hard to match. The city’s diverse neighborhoods also offer a wide range of living experiences, from the trendy streets of Silver Lake to the suburban calm of the San Fernando Valley.
It is important to note that the move to Los Angeles is not without its challenges. The city’s infamous traffic, high taxes, and competitive housing market can be a shock to those accustomed to the more laid-back vibe of Austin. However, for those who are prepared for the realities of big-city living, Los Angeles offers a level of excitement and opportunity that is hard to find elsewhere.
3. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, is another top destination for former Austinites, ranking high on the U-Haul list of out-of-state moves [3]. The appeal of Phoenix lies in its affordability, growing job market, and warm, dry climate. For those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative to Austin without sacrificing the sunshine, Phoenix presents a compelling option.
The cost of living in Phoenix is a major draw. While specific comparative data for 2025 is not available in the current research, historical trends show Phoenix to be a more affordable market than Austin. This is particularly true in the housing market, where Phoenix has traditionally offered more accessible home prices. For those priced out of Austin’s real estate market, Phoenix provides an opportunity to achieve homeownership.
The job market in Phoenix is also a significant factor. The city has a diverse and growing economy with strong sectors in healthcare, finance, and technology. This provides a wide range of career opportunities for those looking to make a move. The city’s business-friendly environment and growing population have made it an attractive destination for both companies and job seekers.
Finally, the climate in Phoenix is a major draw for many. While both Austin and Phoenix are known for their hot summers, Phoenix’s dry heat is often preferred to Austin’s humidity. The city’s abundant sunshine and mild winters make it an ideal location for those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. From hiking and biking to golfing and swimming, Phoenix offers a wide range of recreational activities that can be enjoyed year-round.
4. San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California, continues to be a major draw for tech talent, and that includes a significant number of people leaving Austin. Despite its notoriously high cost of living, San Francisco’s world-class tech scene, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks make it a compelling destination for those at the top of their fields.
The cost of living in San Francisco is a significant hurdle, with data from 2025 showing it to be 80% more expensive than Austin, and a median home price of a staggering $1,310,000 [5]. However, for those in high-paying tech roles, the higher salaries and career opportunities can offset the increased costs. The city is home to a dense concentration of tech giants and innovative startups, offering unparalleled opportunities for career growth and networking.
Beyond the tech industry, San Francisco’s unique culture and lifestyle are a major draw. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, world-class dining scene, and stunning natural beauty, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the rolling hills of Marin County, offer a quality of life that is hard to match. For those who can afford it, San Francisco provides a dynamic and exciting urban experience.
5. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia, is another top destination for those leaving Austin, as noted in the U-Haul migration data [3]. Atlanta offers a unique blend of Southern charm and big-city amenities, with a thriving job market, diverse culture, and a more affordable cost of living than many other major metropolitan areas. The city’s rich history, vibrant arts scene, and lush green spaces make it an attractive alternative to Austin.
The job market in Atlanta is a major draw, with a diverse economy that includes strong sectors in logistics, finance, and film and television production. This provides a wide range of career opportunities for those looking to make a move. The city is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies and a growing number of startups, making it a dynamic and exciting place to build a career.
In terms of cost of living, Atlanta generally offers a more affordable lifestyle than Austin. While specific 2025 data is not available in the current research, historical trends show that housing, in particular, is more accessible in Atlanta. This allows former Austinites to enjoy a higher quality of life for a lower cost.
6. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, Texas, is the top in-state destination for people moving out of Austin, according to Redfin data [1]. The city offers a more affordable cost of living, a rich cultural heritage, and a more relaxed pace of life than its northern neighbor. For those who want to stay in Texas but are looking for a more budget-friendly option, San Antonio is an attractive choice.
The cost of living in San Antonio is significantly lower than in Austin. The median home sale price in San Antonio is $290,000, a stark contrast to Austin’s $485,000 [1, 5]. This affordability allows former Austinites to achieve a higher standard of living and get more for their money in the housing market.
San Antonio’s rich history and culture are also a major draw. The city is home to the Alamo, the Riverwalk, and a number of Spanish colonial missions. Its vibrant Hispanic culture is reflected in its food, music, and art, offering a unique and authentic Texas experience. For those who appreciate a city with a strong sense of history and identity, San Antonio is a compelling choice.
7. Dallas, Texas
Dallas, Texas, the third-largest city in the state, is the second most popular in-state destination for those leaving Austin [1]. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex offers a sprawling urban landscape with a diverse and robust economy. For those seeking a major metropolitan experience with a lower cost of living than Austin, Dallas presents a compelling case.
The Dallas job market is a significant draw. The city is a major center for finance, transportation, and professional services. It is home to a large number of corporate headquarters, providing a wide range of high-paying job opportunities. This economic diversity offers a stable and growing environment for career advancement.
While Dallas may not have the same
quirky, bohemian vibe that Austin is known for, it offers a sophisticated urban experience with world-class museums, a thriving arts district, and a vibrant culinary scene. The city’s diverse neighborhoods provide a range of lifestyle options, from the upscale shops of Highland Park to the trendy restaurants of Deep Ellum.
8. Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas, the fourth most populous city in the United States, is another major in-state destination for those leaving Austin [1]. The city’s sprawling metropolis, diverse culture, and powerful economy make it an attractive alternative for those seeking a different kind of Texas experience. Houston’s reputation for Southern hospitality, combined with its coastal flair, creates a unique and vibrant atmosphere.
The Houston job market is a major draw, with a strong and diverse economy anchored by the energy, healthcare, and aerospace industries. The city is home to the nation’s largest medical center and NASA’s Johnson Space Center, providing a wide range of high-paying job opportunities. This economic powerhouse offers a stable and growing environment for career advancement.
In terms of cost of living, Houston offers a more affordable lifestyle than Austin. The median home sale price in Houston is $315,000, significantly lower than in Austin [1]. This allows former Austinites to enjoy a higher standard of living and get more for their money in the housing market. The city’s abundance of shops, restaurants, museums, and parks also provides a wide range of entertainment options at a lower cost.
9. Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington, the Emerald City, is the fourth most searched-for city by people looking to move out of Austin, according to Redfin data [1]. While the cost of living is significantly higher, with a median home sale price of $840,000, Seattle’s thriving tech industry, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant urban culture make it a compelling destination for those seeking a change of scenery and career opportunities.
Seattle’s job market, particularly in the tech sector, is a major draw. The city is home to tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, as well as a burgeoning startup scene. This provides a wealth of high-paying job opportunities for those in the tech industry, making the high cost of living more manageable. The city’s reputation as a hub of innovation and technology continues to attract top talent from around the country, including from Austin.
Beyond the job market, Seattle’s quality of life is a major appeal. The city is surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests, offering a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and kayaking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Seattle provides a wide range of recreational activities. The city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, with its numerous museums, theaters, and music venues, also adds to its appeal.
10. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois, the Windy City, rounds out the top 10 destinations for those leaving Austin [1]. Chicago offers a world-class urban experience with a more affordable cost of living than many other major cities. Its stunning architecture, vibrant arts and culture scene, and beautiful lakefront make it an attractive alternative for those seeking a dynamic and exciting city to call home.
The cost of living in Chicago is a major draw. The median home sale price is $325,000, significantly lower than in Austin [1]. This affordability allows former Austinites to enjoy a higher standard of living and get more for their money in the housing market. The city’s extensive public transportation system also helps to keep transportation costs down.
Chicago’s job market is diverse and robust, with strong sectors in finance, commerce, industry, and technology. The city is home to a large number of corporate headquarters and a growing number of startups, providing a wide range of career opportunities. This economic diversity offers a stable and growing environment for career advancement.
Finally, Chicago’s quality of life is a major appeal. The city’s 18.5-mile lakefront trail, 600 parks, and world-class museums and theaters provide a wide range of recreational and cultural activities. From its deep-dish pizza to its vibrant music scene, Chicago offers a unique and exciting urban experience.
Conclusion
The migration of residents from Austin to other cities reflects a complex interplay of economic pressures, career ambitions, and lifestyle preferences. While Austin continues to be a desirable place to live for many, the rising cost of living, particularly in the housing market, has become a significant “push factor” for a growing number of residents. The data clearly shows that while some are choosing to stay within Texas, seeking more affordable options in cities like San Antonio and Dallas, a significant number are venturing out of state to destinations like Denver, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
These destination cities, while often more expensive than Austin, offer a different set of opportunities and a quality of life that many former Austinites find appealing. Whether it’s the outdoor lifestyle of Denver, the career opportunities of Los Angeles, or the urban vibrancy of Chicago, each city provides a unique alternative to the Texas capital. The trend of outmigration from Austin is a reminder that in an increasingly mobile society, people are willing to relocate to find the right balance of affordability, opportunity, and lifestyle that best suits their needs.
References
[1] Redfin. (2022, October 31). People Moving Out of Austin Are Considering These 10 Cities. https://www.redfin.com/blog/where-people-moving-out-of-austin-are-considering-moving-to/
[2] Fisher, L. (2025, July 15). Austin growth is slowing, increasingly driven by international migration, as Hispanic and Black residents leave. Austin Monitor. https://austinmonitor.com/stories/2025/07/austin-growth-is-slowing-increasingly-driven-by-international-migration-as-hispanic-and-black-residents-leave/
[3] Texit. (2025, August 4). Where People Move to When They Leave Austin For Other States. https://www.timetotexit.com/resources/where-people-move-to-when-they-leave-austin-for-other-states
[4] Redfin. (n.d.). Cost of Living Comparison: Denver, CO vs Austin, TX. https://www.redfin.com/cost-of-living-calculator/denver-co/vs/austin-tx
[5] Berbas Group. (2025, May 19). Is Austin Expensive? 2025 Cost of Living Analysis for Texas’ Most Popular City. https://www.berbasgroup.com/post/is-austin-expensive-2025-cost-of-living-analysis-for-texas-most-popular-city
[6] Redfin. (2024, December 17). Denver vs Austin: Which City is Right for You?. https://www.redfin.com/blog/denver-co-vs-austin-tx/
[7] Reddit. (2022). Austin VS Denver; How Do They Compare?. https://www.reddit.com/r/SameGrassButGreener/comments/xq06pc/austin_vs_denver_how_do_they_compare/
[8] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Colorado Job Openings and Labor Turnover — June 2025. https://www.bls.gov/regions/mountain-plains/news-release/jobopeningslaborturnover_colorado.htm
