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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Irvine is 110% more expensive than Round Rock.

$2,893/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↓ 41%
$129,647/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↓ 25%
$1,115,400 ↑ 191%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 66%
$2,904/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↓ 39%
308,160
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,180/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $14,160/year.

Median household income is $32,460/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 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

Irvine vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Round Rock?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $1,180/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Round Rock?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $32,460/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Round Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Irvine and Round Rock

Irvine vs. Cincinnati Irvine vs. St. Paul Irvine vs. Santa Ana Irvine vs. Newark Irvine vs. Orlando Irvine vs. Pittsburgh Round Rock vs. Vallejo Round Rock vs. Concord Round Rock vs. Meridian Round Rock vs. Arvada Round Rock vs. Palm Bay Round Rock vs. Clovis