Austin, United States 🇺🇸
Nomad Score:
75%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Austin is the capital city of Texas known for its vibrant music scene and cultural festivals. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1 million (2024 estimate) |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 150 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is approximately equal to 1 USD (local currency) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon are the popular mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common options include Chase, Bank of America, and international options like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments, Airbnbs, and short-term rentals through various platforms. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with prices ranging from $70 to $200 per night depending on location. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like HI Austin Hostel offer dorms starting at $30 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork (located downtown) is a top choice with competitive rates starting around $350/month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Fleet Coffee offers a great atmosphere for remote work with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com lists various networking events in the tech and startup ecosystems. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Austin Expat Meetup group organizes regular social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft are the preferred ride-sharing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Lime and Bird offer electric scooter rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Travis is the closest recreational area, about 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Southwest Airlines has extensive coverage in the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines operate numerous international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | I-35 is the primary highway running through the city. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Austin's Amtrak Station connects various regional lines. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Capital Metro offers day passes for $2.50 and monthly passes for $41. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available via Capital Metro and provide access to nearby towns like San Marcos. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | St. David's Medical Center is a top-rated hospital in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Yoga offers various classes across several locations. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 24 Hour Fitness and Planet Fitness have numerous locations with competitive membership rates. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat at Wash & Fold offers self-service and drop-off laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | DoorDash and UberEats dominate the local food delivery scene. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Tex-Mex, especially breakfast tacos. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Bouldin Creek Cafe offer fantastic plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Ritual serves delectable ice cream and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller is great for budget-friendly local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local platforms provide ample online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart partners with local stores for grocery deliveries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | East 6th Street is famous for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Austin Beerworks produces a range of popular local brews. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Room at 420 features an extensive selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Luminations at the Wildflower Center offers various local food trucks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The foreign cuisine scene is diverse, with restaurants like Thai Kun (Thai cuisine). |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Texas State Capitol is a significant landmark worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Blanton Museum of Art showcases remarkable collections. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Driskill Hotel offers insight into the city's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Mary's Cathedral is a notable architectural site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | South by Southwest (SXSW) is a major cultural festival held each March. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The South Congress Avenue area is known for its boutiques and live music. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Paramount Theatre hosts numerous performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Domain hosts regular weekend markets with crafts and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Austin is known as the 'Live Music Capital of the World' with numerous venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Hope Outdoor Gallery showcases vibrant street art from local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Whole Foods Market offers cooking classes focused on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Contemporary Austin is a leading art space in the city. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Texas Governor's Mansion is a noted historic site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Austin embraces a mix of Texan and Mexican heritage seen in its festivals and cuisine. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | McKinney Falls State Park offers hiking and beautiful views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Big Bend National Park is about a 6-hour drive but well worth the trip. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail along Lady Bird Lake is very popular. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout at Mount Bonnell provides unparalleled views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory is a local favorite for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Paddle boarding at Lady Bird Lake allows for small bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and UPS have numerous locations around the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFixScreens provides reliable tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Austin Sports Center has facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Austin Language Center offers various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Austin Public Library has multiple branches ideal for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Mexican American Cultural Center offers community events and resources. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameOver Videogames is a popular spot for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Austin; the nearest are in neighboring states. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400,000 for central studio apartments. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $280,000 for studio apartments in suburban areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $480,000 for 1-bedroom apartments downtown. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $350,000 for 1-bedroom apartments in suburbs. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600,000 for 2-bedroom apartments in the city center. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450,000 for 2-bedroom apartments outside city limits. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Texas has no corporate income tax. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% on dividends paid to both residents and non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed based on state and federal tax systems. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Texas has no state income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | Sales tax is currently 6.25% in Texas. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | The U.S. has strong CFC rules for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on the assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No state-level taxes; closing costs generally apply. |