Texas is the fastest-growing Australian expat destination in the US — driven by energy, mining, engineering and a booming tech sector in Austin. No state income tax, lower cost of living than the coasts, and direct freight access via Port of Houston.
Texas has become the most talked-about US relocation destination among Australian families in the past five years — and the reasons are straightforward. No state income tax, housing prices that make Sydney look surreal by comparison, a warm climate, and an economy built around industries where Australians have deep expertise: energy, mining services, engineering and increasingly technology.
Austin in particular has attracted a cluster of Australian tech workers following the migration of Oracle, Tesla, Apple and numerous smaller companies from the Bay Area. Houston is the natural home for Australians from the oil and gas, petrochemical and engineering sectors.
Texas has no state income tax. For a professional earning USD $150,000, this represents approximately USD $8,000–$12,000 per year in tax savings compared to California or New York — a meaningful lifestyle uplift on top of lower housing costs.
Houston is the energy capital of the United States and one of the most natural professional homes for Australians from the petroleum, LNG, mining services and engineering sectors. Woodside, BHP and several ASX-listed contractors maintain Houston offices.
Austin has emerged as a major technology hub following the relocation of Tesla's HQ, Oracle's campus and significant Apple expansion. The city's population has grown by over 30% since 2015, with Australians among the most visible international cohort.
A four-bedroom house with a pool in a good Austin or Dallas suburb costs significantly less than a three-bedroom apartment in Sydney's inner ring. Outdoor lifestyle, warm winters (by global standards) and a strong BBQ culture resonate strongly with Australians.
Texas has no state income tax. Housing costs in Austin, Dallas and Houston run 40–60% below comparable Sydney property for equivalent space.
Australians relocating to Texas most commonly work in:
Property taxes in Texas average around 1.6–2.2% of assessed value per year — substantially higher than most states. Renters don't pay it directly, but it is baked into rental prices. Buyers should budget carefully.
Texas is a car-dependent state. Outside walkable pockets of Austin and Dallas Uptown, a car (or two, for families) is essential. Texas roads are generally excellent; Australian driving habits translate well.
Texas summers run from May to October with temperatures regularly exceeding 38°C. Air conditioning is ubiquitous and included in all residential properties. Australians typically adapt well; the heat is dry in Austin and Dallas, more humid in Houston.
The US has no equivalent of Medicare. Health insurance through your employer is standard for corporate transferees and typically covers your family. Individual or spouse-only policies need to be arranged separately — budget USD $800–$2,000/month for a family plan.
Speak with a Nuss move manager about your Texas relocation — timeline, shipping options, customs requirements and a fixed written quote.