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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

San Jose is 108% more expensive than Round Rock.

$2,617/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↓ 35%
$141,565/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↓ 31%
$1,187,800 ↑ 210%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 68%
$2,775/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↓ 36%
990,054
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $904/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $10,848/year.

Median household income is $44,378/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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

San Jose vs Round Rock — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Round Rock?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $904/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Round Rock?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $44,378/year higher in San Jose.
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 San Jose or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 San Jose details → View Round Rock details →

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