B+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
40%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Round Rock Texas National
Cost of living11194100
Groceries9998100
Health care9698100
Housing14083100
Transportation9698100
Utilities103103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9998100
Household Items9898100
Education & Childcare9998100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Round Rock, TX

The cost of living in Round Rock affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Round Rock is 111, which is 11% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Round Rock, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 40.2% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

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

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 13 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Round Rock and this is how they responded. 77% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 23% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Round Rock Affordable?

Is Round Rock an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Round Rock is 39.6% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 41.6% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Round Rock has a median household income of $129,356, which is 59% higher than the national average.

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

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Round Rock, the utilities index stands at 3.1% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Round Rock starts at 6.25% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Round Rock are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

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 11% 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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      Cost of living index
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      Utilities index
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      Educare 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Granger, TX1,1899010.5%
      Weir, TX341936.7%
      Taylor, TX17,845972.7%
      Liberty Hill, TX4,7931010.8%
      Manor, TX11,9171077.1%
      Round Rock, TX133,59711110.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Stamford, CT133,52915757.3%
      Concord, CA133,37816666.5%
      Kent, WA134,34913434.3%
      New Haven, CT134,81811312.9%
      Kingston, ON132,155n/a 
      Round Rock, TX133,59711110.9%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.