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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Boston is 44% more expensive than Round Rock.

$2,093/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↓ 18%
$94,755/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 3%
$710,400 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 46%
$2,176/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↓ 18%
663,972
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $2,432/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Round Rock residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Round Rock?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Round Rock?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $2,432/year higher in Round Rock.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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