Austin is now one of the fastest-growing relocation destinations in the United States and a major magnet for tech entrepreneurs, scale-ups, and European companies expanding into the US market

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Over the last five years, Austin has transformed into a leading innovation hub, rivaling San Francisco while offering a more accessible cost of living, a strong talent pool, and a highly supportive business environment

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For expats and corporate assignees, the city combines career opportunity, lifestyle quality, and a welcoming international community

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🌍 Why European Tech Founders & Companies Are Moving to Austin ?

The trend is accelerating and not by accident

Here are the key reasons:

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1️⃣ A booming tech ecosystem, without Silicon Valley prices

Austin hosts major HQs or hubs for Tesla, Apple, Google, Meta, Amazon, IBM, Oracle, and hundreds of startups.
→ European founders find the city “big enough to scale, small enough to access.”

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2️⃣ A favorable business environment for foreign companies

Texas offers:

• Lower corporate taxes
• Fewer administrative barriers
• Strong support for international investors

→ Ideal for European companies entering the US for the first time

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3️⃣ Access to talent from engineers to AI specialists

Austin attracts highly skilled workers from across the US, thanks to:

• The University of Texas
• A strong engineering and AI ecosystem
• Relatively affordable housing compared to coastal hubs

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4️⃣ A lifestyle that appeals to expat families and young professionals

Safe neighborhoods, parks, Barton Springs, music culture, sunshine…
→ A city where employees want to relocate

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5️⃣ A fast-growing European business community

French, German, Dutch, Scandinavian, and UK startups are increasingly choosing Austin over traditional hubs
→ Newcomers immediately find peers, partners, and support

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💰 Cost of Living & Rent Overview (2025)

Austin remains more affordable than New York, Boston, Seattle, or the Bay Area, even with recent increases

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Average Monthly Rents

• 1 bedroom: $1,900 – $2,100
• 2 bedrooms: $2,500 – $3,500
• 3-bedroom houses: $3,500 – $4,500
• Luxury buildings: +15–25%

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🏘️ Where Expats Choose to Live ?

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The Domain (North Austin)
Perfect for professionals in tech hubs (Amazon, IBM). Walkable, modern, corporate

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Zilker & Barton Hills
For nature lovers, families, and those who want access to Zilker Park + Barton Springs.

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Mueller
Modern, safe, planned neighborhood. Very popular with families and assignees

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South Congress (SoCo)
Trendy, walkable, with restaurants and boutiques the “Austin vibe.”

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Westlake Hills
High-end homes + excellent school district. Ideal for corporate packages

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❤️ Why Expats Love Austin

• A vibrant tech ecosystem
• Outdoor lifestyle and sunshine
• Great schools in key districts
• A strong international community
• A balanced cost of living for a major US city

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⭐ Final Insight

Austin is no longer an alternative to coastal cities, it’s become a top-tier relocation destination and a strategic hub for companies expanding in the US