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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Tempe and Round Rock have a similar cost of living.

$1,623/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 6%
$77,643/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 25%
$421,900 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 9%
$1,554/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 15%
186,419
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $19,544/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 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

Tempe vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Tempe or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Round Rock?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Round Rock?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $19,544/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 Tempe or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Round Rock details →

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