Cost of Living in
Round Rock, TX

The Real Cost of Living in Round Rock (2026): Beyond the Averages

Forget the glossy brochures and the "live, work, play" slogans. If you're looking at Round Rock as a potential landing spot, you're likely doing the math on a spreadsheet, and you’ve probably seen the Cost of Living Index of 97.2. That number suggests you’ll save a few bucks compared to the national average, but it’s a dangerously misleading statistic for anyone trying to understand the actual financial bleed. The index is an aggregate, and it smooths out the sharp edges of what it actually costs to live here. The median household income hovers around $102,420, which mathematically implies a single earner needs to pull in roughly $56,331 just to stay in the black. However, that figure is the floor, not the ceiling. It covers survival, not comfort. It covers a roof over your head and basic calories, but it doesn't account for the relentless march of property taxes, the hidden fees that nickel and dime you to death, or the fact that "median" means half the population is doing worse. This report isn't about averages; it's about the real price tag of a middle-class life in a city that’s aggressively trying to shed its small-town skin.

The Big Items

The foundation of your budget in Round Rock rests on three pillars: housing, taxes, and the daily burn of fuel and food. Each has its own quirks and traps that the national averages completely miss.

Housing: The Rent vs. Buy Trap
Housing is the single largest line item, and it's where the "sticker shock" is most acute. Currently, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment sits at $1,635, while a 2-bedroom will run you $1,924. These aren't just numbers; they represent a significant portion of that $56,331 income, pushing the recommended 30% housing budget to its breaking point. The rental market is perpetually tight, driven by a constant influx of families seeking the school district reputation and proximity to Austin without the Austin price tag. Landlords know this, and they price accordingly. Buying is presented as the escape hatch from rising rents, but it's a double-edged sword. The median home price is elusive because the market is so heated, but bidding wars are common, and inventory is perpetually low. You're forced to waive contingencies or offer well over asking price just to get a foot in the door. This creates a market where you might overpay for a property that immediately needs work, trapping you in a cycle of repairs and mortgage payments that stretches your budget thin. The "American Dream" of homeownership here often feels more like a financial anchor than an asset.

Taxes: The Property Tax Bite
Do not move here without understanding Texas property taxes. There is no state income tax, which looks great on paper, but the state makes up for it by allowing some of the highest property tax rates in the nation. Williamson County, where Round Rock sits, has a total tax rate that often exceeds 2.1% of the assessed home value. Let's run the numbers on a hypothetical $450,000 home. At 2.1%, your annual tax bill is $9,450. That’s an extra $787.50 a month, on top of your mortgage principal and interest, that provides zero return on investment until you sell—and even then, it's just a cost of holding the asset. This is the single biggest budget killer for homeowners. It forces your monthly housing payment to be hundreds of dollars higher than the mortgage calculator suggests. For renters, this cost is passed down directly, baked into the $1,635+ monthly rent. The lack of a state income tax is a mirage for most homeowners; you just pay it all in one lump sum to the county appraisal district every year.

Groceries & Gas: The Daily Grind
The daily essentials in Round Rock aren't cheap, but they aren't bankrupting you either. The key is local variance. A trip to H-E-B is a masterclass in price control; their store brands and aggressive produce pricing can keep a weekly grocery bill for a couple at around $150-$180, assuming you cook most meals. However, a single run to a specialty store like Whole Foods or even the standard Randall's will see that same basket of goods jump to $250+ with no change in quantity. Gas is a similar story. Williamson County has a complex web of local and state fuel taxes, and you'll consistently see prices $0.15 to $0.25 higher per gallon than in more rural parts of the state. A commute from Round Rock into Austin or even just the tech corridors in North Austin can easily burn $200-$300 in fuel per month for a standard sedan. It’s a constant, low-grade drain that adds up fast, especially when you factor in the wear and tear on your vehicle from the stop-and-go traffic on I-35.

Hidden 'Gotcha' Costs

This is where the budget gets shredded. These are the costs that don't show up in the COL index but hit your bank account with surprising force.

• Toll Roads: The Central Texas Turnpike System is a financial black hole. If you plan on using the 45 Toll or 130 Toll to bypass I-35 traffic, you will be nickel-and-dimed relentlessly. A daily commute using these roads can easily add $8 to $12 to your daily cost. That’s up to $240 a month, just for the privilege of moving your car at speed. It’s a regressive tax on commuters, and there’s no way around it if you value your time.
• HOA Fees: Nearly every new or desirable subdivision in Round Rock is governed by a Homeowners Association. These are not optional. Fees range from $50 to over $200 per month, and for that, you get your lawn mowed in the common areas and architectural restrictions on what you can do with your own property. It’s a perpetual bill that never goes away and increases over time.
• Insurance Headaches: Homeowner's insurance in Texas is a beast of its own. You’re not just insuring against fire and theft; you’re insuring against hail, wind, and the ever-present (though statistically low) threat of flooding. A standard policy for that $450,000 home can easily run $2,500 to $3,500 annually, and that’s before you buy a separate flood insurance policy, which can add another $800+ a year depending on the flood zone. Car insurance rates in the Austin metro are also significantly higher than the national average due to traffic density and hail storm claims.
• Parking & "City" Fees: While Round Rock is a suburb, trips into Austin for events or dining come with their own costs. Parking downtown can be $15-$30 for a few hours. The city itself also piles on fees for things like building permits, registration, and utility connection fees that can be surprisingly steep.

Lifestyle Inflation

Surviving in Round Rock is one thing; enjoying it is another. The cost of "living" rather than just "existing" can sneak up on you.

• A Night Out: A decent burger and a couple of beers at a local brewery like Round Rock Brewery will run you about $35-$45 per person with a tip. A sit-down dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant like Salt Lick BBQ or a standard American grill will easily hit $80-$100 before drinks. It’s not Austin prices, but it’s certainly not cheap.
• Fitness: A no-frills gym membership at a place like Planet Fitness is $10-$15 a month. However, a membership at a higher-end facility like Life Time Fitness or a CrossFit box will set you back $120 to $180 per month, per person.
• Coffee: The daily coffee run is a budget bleed. A standard drip coffee at a local shop is $3.50-$4.50. If you’re a latte person, expect to pay $5.50 to $7.00. Over a work month, that’s $100-$150 for a simple habit.
• Childcare: This is the great budget destroyer. Full-time daycare for a toddler in Round Rock averages $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For two kids in daycare, you are effectively paying a second mortgage.

Salary Scenarios

Frugal Scenario Analysis:
To live a frugal life, you are essentially on the edge of the median single income. This means renting a modest 1-bedroom apartment ($1,635), owning one reliable but paid-off car, and budgeting strictly for groceries by exclusively shopping at H-E-B and cooking virtually all meals at home. You will likely need to avoid toll roads, limit your social life to free or very low-cost activities, and have zero debt payments (student loans, credit cards). A family on a $90,000 income in this category is in a perpetual state of crisis management. They are likely in a small 2-bedroom rental, relying on one car, and have no room for emergencies like a major car repair or medical bill. This is a high-stress existence in Round Rock.

Moderate Scenario Analysis:
This is the baseline for a stable, middle-class life. A single earner making $75,000 can afford a decent 2-bedroom apartment or a starter home with a significant other contributing. They can handle a monthly car payment, pay for moderate insurance, and budget for a few restaurant meals and a gym membership without panic. They can likely afford some childcare, but it will be a major budget item. A family earning $135,000 is where the city's lifestyle becomes attainable. They can afford a median-priced home (with a hefty $9,450 annual property tax bill), two reliable cars, and full-time daycare for two kids (~$2,500/month). They are not drowning, but they are not saving aggressively. This income allows for a vacation, but it requires planning and a strict budget.

Comfortable Scenario Analysis:
This is the income level that buys you freedom from the constant budget math. For a single person, $110,000+ means you can max out retirement accounts, own a new car with a comfortable payment, live in a modern apartment or own a home in a desirable neighborhood, and absorb a $1,000 surprise bill without your month falling apart. You can afford the toll roads to save time and enjoy the city's offerings without looking at the price tag first. For a family, earning $185,000+ means you can manage a mortgage on a $500,000+ home, afford two car payments, cover the $2,500+ monthly daycare bill, and still have money left over for investments, savings, and true discretionary spending. At this level, the hidden costs and taxes are just background noise rather than a primary financial concern.