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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Austin is 10% more expensive than Round Rock.

$1,655/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 4%
$91,461/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 6%
$512,700 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 25%
$1,747/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 2%
967,862
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $5,726/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Austin 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 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Round Rock?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $58/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Round Rock?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $5,726/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 Austin or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Round Rock details →

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