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

Salinas

California
156
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Salinas is 28% more expensive than Round Rock.

$1,923/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↓ 11%
$89,150/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 9%
$610,900 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 37%
$1,912/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↓ 7%
161,993
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salinas, CA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 156 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $8,037/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salinas is $610,900 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

Salinas vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Salinas 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 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salinas and Round Rock?
Median rent in Salinas is $1,923/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Salinas or Round Rock?
Median household income is $89,150 in Salinas and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $8,037/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 Salinas or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Salinas has a cost index of 156 with median rent of $1,923/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 Salinas details → View Round Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salinas and Round Rock

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