Cost of Living: Round Rock, TX vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Round Rock

Texas
122
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Round Rock is 12% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,713/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 5%
$97,187/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 45%
$383,700 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 25%
$1,781/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 13%
124,288
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Round Rock, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $44,166/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Round Rock is $383,700 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Round Rock vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Round Rock or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Round Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Round Rock and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Round Rock is $1,713/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Round Rock or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $97,187 in Round Rock and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $44,166/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Round Rock or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,713/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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