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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Raleigh is 10% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,468/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 17%
$82,424/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 18%
$377,800 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 2%
$1,487/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 20%
470,763
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $14,763/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Round Rock residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Raleigh or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Round Rock?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Round Rock?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $14,763/year higher in Round Rock.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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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