Round Rock vs Austin
vs National Average
Round Rock sits about 5% above the national cost of living index — primarily because of housing and property taxes. But it's meaningfully below Austin in the categories that matter most, especially home prices. Here's how the key numbers stack up:
| Category | Round Rock | Austin | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $418,500 | $543,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Monthly Rent (2BR) | $1,500 | $1,780 | $1,380 |
| Effective Property Tax Rate | 1.8–2.2% | 1.9–2.3% | ~1.1% |
| Avg Monthly Electric Bill | $180–$260 | $190–$280 | $150–$180 |
| Gas (per gallon) | ~$2.85–$3.10 | ~$2.90–$3.15 | ~$3.10–$3.40 |
| Avg Household Income | ~$94,000 | ~$83,000 | ~$77,000 |
| State Income Tax | None | None | Varies |
| Cost of Living Index | ~105 | ~120 | 100 |
Sources: Williamson County Appraisal District, U.S. Census ACS 2023–2024, Texas REALTORS® Market Report 2026, BLS CPI data. Figures are estimates and vary by specific address and household.
What You'll Actually
Spend Each Month
Housing
Housing is where Round Rock delivers its biggest savings over Austin. The median sale price is roughly $120,000 below Austin's, and rent runs 10–18% less for comparable units. Within Round Rock, prices vary significantly by neighborhood: Arbor Place and Walsh Ranch push $600K+, while older sections of Brushy Creek and Bent Tree offer solid homes in the $380K–$440K range. Round Rock ISD school zoning adds a measurable premium over non-RRISD addresses.
Property Taxes
Texas property taxes are among the highest in the nation — a trade-off for having no state income tax. In Round Rock (Williamson County), effective rates average 1.8%–2.2% of appraised value annually. On a $420,000 home, that's roughly $7,500–$9,200/year. The Texas homestead exemption reduces the taxable value for school district purposes by $100,000, which meaningfully lowers the effective bill for owner-occupants. MUD districts in newer developments can add additional assessments on top of city/county/school taxes.
Utilities
Round Rock and Austin have nearly identical utility costs — they're part of the same metro grid. The Texas summer is the biggest variable: June–September electric bills for a 2,400 sq ft home can hit $220–$320/month due to sustained 100°F+ heat. Winter costs are low — most homes use gas or heat pump systems and bills drop to $80–$140/month. Water/sewer averages $40–$70/month. Internet runs $60–$100/month. Oncor manages the electric grid; residents choose their own retail electric provider through the competitive Texas market.
Groceries & Dining
Grocery and dining costs in Round Rock are essentially equivalent to Austin — they're part of the same regional supply chain. H-E-B (a Texas institution beloved for low prices and quality) is the dominant grocery chain and keeps costs below national average. A typical family grocery run runs $200–$350/week depending on family size and dietary preferences. Dining out: casual meals run $12–$18/person, mid-range restaurants $20–$35/person. Austin's trendy restaurant scene commands premiums that Round Rock's dining options generally don't.
Healthcare
Round Rock is home to St. David's Round Rock Medical Center (a major full-service hospital) and a large network of clinics, specialists, and urgent care facilities. Healthcare costs — insurance premiums, copays, procedure costs — are essentially the same as Austin since they operate within the same metro healthcare market. Health insurance through employer runs $400–$700/month for a family depending on plan and employer contribution. Round Rock's proximity to Austin's medical corridor (including Dell Medical School) gives residents access to tertiary care without paying Austin rents to live there.
Transportation
Round Rock is car-dependent — most households need at least one vehicle. Gas prices track closely with Austin and Texas averages (typically $0.10–$0.20 below national average). Auto insurance in Williamson County averages $1,200–$1,800/year for a standard driver. The commute calculus matters: many Round Rock residents commute south to Austin (25–40 minutes off-peak, 45–70 minutes in rush hour on I-35). Commuting costs can add $200–$400/month in gas or tolls depending on the route. Capital Metro's commuter rail (the MetroRail) connects Leander → Downtown Austin with a stop in nearby Leander — useful for Austin CBD commuters.
Childcare & Education
Childcare costs are high across the Austin metro — Round Rock is marginally cheaper than central Austin but still well above national averages. Infant full-time daycare averages $1,100–$1,800/month; toddler/preschool runs $900–$1,400/month. The silver lining: Round Rock ISD is one of the best public school systems in Texas. Pre-K programs through RRISD, strong elementary and secondary schools, and multiple magnet and early college programs reduce the pressure to pay for private K–12 education that many Austin families feel. Private school options exist but aren't necessary for families satisfied with RRISD.
Entertainment & Lifestyle
Day-to-day entertainment in Round Rock costs less than Austin. Movie tickets, bowling, golf, sports leagues, and recreation center memberships run 10–20% below comparable Austin options. Round Rock Premium Outlets provides shopping at discount prices. Dell Diamond (Round Rock Express baseball) offers family outings for $15–$25/ticket. Austin's entertainment scene — live music, festivals, high-end dining — is 25–35 minutes away and remains accessible to Round Rock residents without paying Austin housing costs to access it.
Is Round Rock
Affordable?
By Texas and national standards — yes. Round Rock is one of the most compelling value propositions in the Austin metro. You get top-tier schools (Round Rock ISD), low crime, genuine neighborhood character, and Austin metro job access at a meaningful discount to Austin home prices.
The tradeoffs are real: property taxes are high (Texas-wide problem, not Round Rock-specific), summers are brutal on electric bills, and car dependency is the norm. But for families relocating from high-cost metros — California, New York, Seattle, Denver — Round Rock consistently delivers on the value it promises. Above-median household incomes, below-Austin housing costs, and no state income tax create a financial picture that pencils out for most household types.
If you're comparing Round Rock to other Austin suburbs, the honest answer is that it competes strongly with Cedar Park, Pflugerville, and Georgetown on price, while outperforming most on school quality and established neighborhood infrastructure.
Bay Area / LA equity buyers regularly cite $200K–$400K of equity they deploy as a down payment or cash purchase
No state income tax vs. NY's 10%+ combined state + city rate is a major household budget driver
Comparable climates (hot vs. cold extreme), but Round Rock's job market and school quality are competitive
Same metro job access, same grocery stores, meaningfully lower housing cost — the core Round Rock pitch
Cost of Living
Questions
Is Round Rock TX cheaper to live in than Austin?+
Yes — Round Rock is meaningfully cheaper than Austin across most cost categories. The biggest difference is housing: Round Rock's median home price is roughly $418,000 vs. Austin's $540,000+, a gap of $120,000 or more. Property taxes are similarly structured (both in Williamson and Travis County respectively), but Round Rock's lower home values mean lower absolute tax bills. Groceries, utilities, and everyday costs are essentially identical since both are part of the same metro area. The real savings are in housing — both purchase price and rent.
What is the average property tax rate in Round Rock TX?+
Round Rock homes fall in Williamson County, where the effective property tax rate averages around 1.8%–2.2% of appraised value annually, depending on the specific taxing entities for your address (city, county, MUD, school district). On a $420,000 home, expect roughly $7,500–$9,200 per year in property taxes. Texas has no state income tax, so property taxes carry more weight here than in income-tax states. The Texas homestead exemption reduces your taxable appraised value by $100,000 for school district taxes, which meaningfully lowers the effective bill for owner-occupied homes.
What are average utility costs in Round Rock TX?+
Average monthly utility costs for a typical Round Rock home (3–4 bed, 2,000–2,500 sq ft) run approximately $180–$260 per month depending on the season. Summer months (June–September) push electric bills higher due to air conditioning — a 2,400 sq ft home in an Austin-area summer can run $220–$320/month in electricity alone during peak heat. Winter months are mild and significantly cheaper. Water/sewer runs roughly $40–$70 per month. Round Rock is served by Round Rock Utilities for water and Oncor for electricity distribution, with retail providers competing for electric service.
Is Round Rock TX a good place to live for families?+
Round Rock consistently ranks among the best cities in Texas for families. Key factors: Round Rock ISD is one of the top-rated school districts in Texas (and the nation), the city has extremely low crime rates relative to comparable Texas cities, the cost of housing is significantly lower than Austin while still offering metro-area jobs and amenities, and the city has invested heavily in parks, recreation, and family infrastructure. Dell Diamond (minor league baseball), Round Rock Premium Outlets, Old Settlers Park (645 acres), and proximity to Austin's cultural offerings make it a well-rounded environment for families at all income levels.
What is the median household income in Round Rock TX?+
The median household income in Round Rock is approximately $92,000–$97,000 (2024–2025 estimates), well above both the Texas state median (~$70,000) and the national median (~$77,000). This reflects Round Rock's strong employment base in technology (Dell, Apple nearby), healthcare (St. David's), and professional services. The combination of above-average incomes and below-Austin housing costs gives Round Rock residents a favorable affordability ratio compared to most major Texas metros.
How much does it cost to rent in Round Rock TX in 2026?+
Rental costs in Round Rock in 2026: a 1-bedroom apartment averages $1,100–$1,400/month, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,350–$1,750/month, and a 3-bedroom single-family home rents for $1,900–$2,600/month depending on neighborhood, condition, and school zoning. Teravista and Walsh Ranch command rental premiums; older sections of Brushy Creek and Forest Creek offer more affordable rental options. Round Rock rents are typically 10–18% below comparable Austin units.
More Round Rock
Resources
Thinking About Moving to Round Rock?
Luke Allen is a Round Rock REALTOR® who can help you understand exactly what your budget gets you here — and which neighborhoods fit your priorities. No pressure, just straight answers.
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Round Rock buyer specialist · TX Lic #788149