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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Arlington is 66% more expensive than Round Rock.

$2,275/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↓ 25%
$140,160/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↓ 31%
$864,800 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 56%
$2,414/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↓ 26%
235,463
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $562/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $6,744/year.

Median household income is $42,973/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Round Rock residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Arlington or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Round Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Round Rock?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $562/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Round Rock?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $42,973/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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.
View Arlington details → View Round Rock details →

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