Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Round Rock, TX (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Surprise is 3% more expensive than Round Rock.

$1,917/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↓ 11%
$93,371/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 4%
$396,000 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 3%
$1,587/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 12%
149,519
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $3,816/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Round Rock residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Surprise 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 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Round Rock?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Round Rock?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $3,816/year higher in Round Rock.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Round Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Round Rock

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite 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