Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Round Rock, TX (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Elk Grove is 38% more expensive than Round Rock.

$2,180/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↓ 21%
$122,229/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↓ 20%
$603,400 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 36%
$2,227/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↓ 20%
177,221
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $467/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $5,604/year.

Median household income is $25,042/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Round Rock residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Elk Grove 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 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Round Rock?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $467/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Round Rock?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $25,042/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Round Rock details →

More Comparisons

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