Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Round Rock, TX (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Arlington is 22% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,389/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 23%
$73,519/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 32%
$276,400 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 39%
$1,420/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 25%
394,769
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $324/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $3,888/year.

Median household income is $23,668/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Arlington or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Round Rock?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $324/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Round Rock?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $23,668/year higher in Round Rock.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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