Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Round Rock, TX (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Seattle is 61% more expensive than Round Rock.

$1,998/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↓ 14%
$121,984/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↓ 20%
$912,100 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 58%
$2,220/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↓ 20%
741,440
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $24,797/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Round Rock?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Round Rock?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $24,797/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Round Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Round Rock

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