Cedar Park, TX: 2026 Relocation Deep Dive Report

1. Cedar Park: The Data Profile (2026)

Cedar Park represents a high-value suburban node within the Austin metropolitan statistical area (MSA). With a population of 78,969, it maintains a "smaller city" feel while supporting a robust economic engine. The defining characteristic of the Cedar Park profile is the delta between income and cost: the median income sits at $119,943, which is +60.8% higher than the US median of $74,580. However, the Cost of Living Index (COLI) for housing is only 88.0, or -12.0% below the national average.

Target Demographic:
The statistical target is the "Dual-Income Professional Household." This demographic leverages the $119,943 median income to maximize savings or purchasing power against a deflated housing market index. They are likely post-remote workers who require occasional access to the Austin tech corridor but prioritize square footage and school district ratings over urban density.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

While Cedar Park offers a significant discount on housing compared to the national average, the aggregate COLI remains near parity due to slightly elevated utilities and services. The "disposable income gap"—the difference between the high local income and the low local costs—is the primary financial incentive for relocation.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Deep Dive: Disposable Income Analysis
A household earning the median $119,943 takes home approximately $7,150 monthly after taxes. Against a family budget of $6,020, this leaves a surplus of $1,130. This is significantly higher than the US average surplus, which often hovers near $400-$600 for median earners. The electricity rate of 14.94 cents/kWh (vs US 16.0) provides marginal but consistent annual savings.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the strongest asset in Cedar Park's relocation portfolio. The median home price is $405,000, which is -15.0% lower than the US average of $476,000. This creates a favorable environment for buyers looking to build equity without the extreme volatility of larger metros.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Relative to the national curve, renting is mathematically advantageous in the short term due to the low $1,280 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom unit. However, the $185 Price/SqFt metric suggests strong buyer leverage. For a post-remote worker with a $119,943 income, buying is the financially superior long-term strategy to capitalize on the -15.0% price discount and avoid the +60.8% income-to-cost arbitrage loss.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

In 2026, Cedar Park benefits from the "Hub-and-Spoke" RTO (Return-to-Office) model. The local economy is anchored by healthcare (Cedar Park Regional Medical Center) and technology manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, nearly identical to the US average of 4.0%, indicating a stable, saturated labor market.

Commute & RTO Impact:
For hybrid workers, the commute to Austin is the critical variable. The average one-way commute to downtown Austin is 25-35 miles, taking 45-60 minutes during peak RTO windows (Tues-Thurs). This is the "Cedar Park Tax"—trading time for housing value. Local jobs pay near the median $119,943, but commuting to Austin tech hubs can push household income toward $150,000+, further widening the disposable income gap.

5. Quality of Life Audit

Cedar Park scores highly on health metrics and air quality but struggles with property crime rates. The Health Score of 83.7/100 is driven by low risk factors: Diabetes at 8.9% (vs 10.9% US) and Smoking at 9.1% (vs 14.0% US).

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Safety is a mixed bag. Violent Crime is 446/100k (vs US 380/100k), which is AVERAGE. However, Property Crime is 2876/100k (vs US 2,000/100k), rated HIGH. Residents must invest in home security systems, as property theft is 43.8% higher than the national baseline.

Schools & Weather:

• Schools: Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD serve the area, both consistently rated 8/10+ on GreatSchools.
• Weather: The current snapshot (44.0°F, Partly Cloudy) reflects mild winters. However, July/August averages often exceed 98°F with high humidity, impacting outdoor activity.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Income vs. Cost Delta: Earning $119,943 while paying housing costs indexed at 88.0 creates a wealth-building opportunity.
• Health Metrics: Low diabetes (8.9%) and smoking (9.1%) rates suggest a healthier peer group.
• Air Quality: AQI of 48 is excellent for a Texas suburb.

Cons:

• Property Crime: 2876/100k is significantly elevated; vehicle and home break-ins are statistical probabilities.
• Commute Friction: The 45-60 minute drive to Austin during RTO windows creates lifestyle friction.
• Summer Heat: High temps and humidity are a physical stressor for 3-4 months annually.

Recommendation:
Relocate. Cedar Park is a "Buy" market for 2026. The combination of a $405,000 median home price and a $119,943 median income allows for a mortgage-to-income ratio well below the recommended 30% threshold. The property crime risk is manageable through insurance and security, outweighed by the financial upside of the housing market discount.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Cedar Park?
For a single adult, a salary of $65,000 is sufficient to cover the $2,590 monthly budget with savings. For a family, a household income of $95,000 covers the $6,020 monthly budget. However, to match the median lifestyle of $119,943, you maximize the region's purchasing power.

2. Is Cedar Park better value than Round Rock or Austin?
Yes. Compared to Austin (COLI 140+), Cedar Park is ~35% cheaper. Compared to Round Rock, Cedar Park offers slightly better school districts and newer housing stock for a similar price point ($185/SqFt vs Round Rock $190/SqFt).

3. How dangerous is the property crime rate?
With a rate of 2876/100k, you are statistically 43.8% more likely to experience property theft than the US average. It is the primary safety concern; violent crime is average.

4. When is the best time to move/buy?
Market liquidity is highest in Q2 and Q3 (Spring/Summer). However, buying in Q4 (October-December) often yields -2% to -3% price concessions as sellers list during the holiday lull, capitalizing on the current $405,000 median baseline.