B+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
40%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Round Rock Texas National
Cost of living10992100
Goods & Services9596100
Groceries9595100
Health care9097100
Housing14083100
Transportation9592100
Utilities99102100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Round Rock, TX

Knowing the cost of living in Round Rock allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Round Rock stands at 109, marking it 9% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Round Rock aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Round Rock residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Round Rock cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 40.2% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Round Rock?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 13 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Round Rock. The feedback revealed that 77% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 23% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Round Rock Affordable?

Is Round Rock affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Round Rock, for instance, where the median home price falls 39.6% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 41.6% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Round Rock flaunting a median household income of $129,356, 59% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Round Rock?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Round Rock, healthcare costs are 9.7% lower than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Round Rock, the housing index is 40.2% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Round Rock, the transportation index is 5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Round Rock, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Round Rock is 18% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Round Rock is 9% higher than the national average
  • Round Rock housing is 40% higher than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Round Rock

See all the best places to live around Round Rock

Compare Round Rock, TX Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$162,770$13,564$3,798$4,884
      Renters$91,256$7,605$2,129$2,738
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Round Rock, TX, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Round Rock homeowners, is $162,770. This would allow for a maximum of $3,798 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $91,256 which would result in a maximum of $2,129 to be spent on rental costs.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Goods & Services

      Item Round Rock National avg. Difference
      Haircut $39.00$27.6241.2%
      Beauty Salon $60.36$51.1118.1%
      Toothpaste $4.26$4.094.1%
      Shampoo $1.53$1.540.8%
      Movie $13.95$12.888.3%
      Yoga $23.22$19.6618.1%

      Groceries

      Item Round Rock National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $7.23$7.706.2%
      Fried Chicken $1.41$1.6615.2%
      Milk $4.60$4.732.8%
      Potatoes $5.35$5.261.8%
      Pizza $10.22$12.7619.9%
      Beer $10.55$10.550.0%

      Health Care

      Item Round Rock National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $110.96$140.0620.8%
      Doctor $126.20$153.8218.0%
      Dentist $132.27$123.157.4%
      Ibuprofen $11.34$11.733.3%
      Lipitor $16.09$23.6131.9%

      Housing

      Item Round Rock National avg. Difference
      Home Price $456,040.00$326,622.0039.6%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,280.66$2,480.258.0%
      Apartment Rent $2,045.00$1,444.0041.6%

      Transportation

      Item Round Rock National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $2.65$3.0613.2%
      Tire Balancing $75.10$65.2115.2%

      Utilities

      Item Round Rock National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $210.68$220.124.3%
      Phone $205.01$195.714.8%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Granger, TX1,1898316.9%
      Weir, TX341909.7%
      Taylor, TX17,845954.8%
      Liberty Hill, TX4,7931000.3%
      Manor, TX11,9171055.1%
      Round Rock, TX133,5971098.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Stamford, CT133,52915959.2%
      Concord, CA133,37817170.6%
      Kent, WA134,34914140.6%
      New Haven, CT134,81811312.8%
      Kingston, ON132,155n/a 
      Round Rock, TX133,5971098.7%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.