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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Santa Clara is 152% more expensive than Round Rock.

$2,985/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↓ 43%
$173,670/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↓ 44%
$1,527,900 ↑ 298%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 75%
$3,051/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↓ 42%
129,239
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,272/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $15,264/year.

Median household income is $76,483/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 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

Santa Clara vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Santa Clara 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 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Round Rock?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $1,272/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Round Rock?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $76,483/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Santa Clara details → View Round Rock details →

More Comparisons

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