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

Round Rock

Texas
122
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Round Rock is 51% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,713/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 24%
$97,187/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 12%
$383,700 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 252%
$1,781/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 31%
124,288
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Round Rock, TX and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $414/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $4,968/year.

Median household income is $11,371/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Round Rock is $383,700 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Round Rock vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Round Rock or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Round Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Round Rock and Berkeley?
Median rent in Round Rock is $1,713/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $414/month.
Which city has higher income, Round Rock or Berkeley?
Median household income is $97,187 in Round Rock and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $11,371/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Round Rock or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,713/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Round Rock details → View Berkeley details →

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