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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Palmdale is 7% more expensive than Round Rock.

$1,736/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↓ 1%
$81,151/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 20%
$435,300 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 12%
$1,831/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↓ 3%
165,487
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,036/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 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

Palmdale vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Palmdale 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 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Round Rock?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Round Rock?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $16,036/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Palmdale or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Round Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palmdale and Round Rock

Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona 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