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

Round Rock

Texas
122
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Round Rock is 52% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,713/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 56%
$97,187/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 43%
$383,700 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 202%
$1,781/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 57%
124,288
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Round Rock, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $965/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $11,580/year.

Median household income is $42,139/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Round Rock is $383,700 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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 Carlsbad — common questions

Is Round Rock or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Round Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Round Rock and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Round Rock is $1,713/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $965/month.
Which city has higher income, Round Rock or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $97,187 in Round Rock and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $42,139/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,713/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Round Rock details → View Carlsbad details →

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