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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Houston is 28% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,313/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 30%
$62,894/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 55%
$253,400 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 51%
$1,316/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 35%
2,300,419
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $34,293/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Houston or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Round Rock?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Round Rock?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $34,293/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 Houston or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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