📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Round Rock and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
Round Rock vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Round Rock | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $102,420 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $375,000 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $197 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,635 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 126.4 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 91.9 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.35 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 189.0 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 45.9% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Chicago vs. Round Rock: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you’re torn between the Windy City and a suburb of Austin. On the surface, it’s a classic big-city hustle versus a down-home Texas vibe. But dig a little deeper, and the choice becomes a defining moment for your lifestyle, your wallet, and your future. Are you craving world-class culture and a bustling metropolis, or do you dream of a bigger backyard, no state income tax, and a more manageable pace?
Let’s cut through the noise. As your relocation expert, I’m here to give you the unvarnished truth, backed by data and seasoned with a heavy dose of real talk. We’ll break it down so you can see exactly where you’ll get the most bang for your buck—and where you might have to make some serious compromises.
The Vibe Check: Urban Jungle vs. Family-Friendly Suburb
This isn’t just a choice between two cities; it’s a choice between two worlds.
Chicago is a global powerhouse. It’s a city of iconic architecture, deep-dish pizza, and a relentless energy that hums 24/7. Think world-class museums, a thriving theater scene, and professional sports teams on every corner. It’s a city for people who want to be in the middle of the action. The vibe is fast-paced, ambitious, and often gritty. You’re trading a little grit for a lot of access.
Round Rock, on the other hand, is the quintessential Texas suburb. It’s a family-centric community known for its excellent schools, sprawling parks, and a slower, more deliberate pace of life. It’s the home of Dell Technologies and a booming tech corridor, but it feels more like a large town than a city. The vibe is laid-back, safe, and community-oriented. You’re trading world-class amenities for a higher quality of daily life.
Who’s it for?
- Chicago is for the culture vultures, the young professionals chasing big opportunities, and anyone who thrives on the energy of a major metropolis.
- Round Rock is for families seeking top-tier schools, young professionals wanting a high quality of life without the city chaos, and anyone who values space, sunshine, and a strong sense of community.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Bigger?
Let’s talk money. Earning $100,000 in these two places feels dramatically different, thanks to cost of living and taxes.
Cost of Living Breakdown (Table)
| Category | Chicago, IL | Round Rock, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $1,635 |
| Utilities (Monthly Avg.) | $180 | $220 |
| Groceries | +10.5% vs US Avg | +2.8% vs US Avg |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% (Flat) | 0% (No Income Tax) |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
At first glance, the rent in Chicago looks slightly cheaper. But that’s where the good news stops. While a 1BR in Chicago will cost you about $1,507, the hidden costs add up. Groceries are over 10% more expensive than the national average, and you’re hit with a 4.95% state income tax. The biggest shocker? The overall cost of living index for Chicago is higher than the national average.
Round Rock’s rent is a tad higher at $1,635, but here’s the kicker: no state income tax. That’s an instant 4.95% raise. Combine that with groceries that are only 2.8% above average, and you can see how your paycheck stretches further. The median income in Round Rock is also significantly higher—$102,420 compared to Chicago’s $74,474. This isn’t just about costs; it’s about the local economy’s ability to support higher wages.
The Insight: While Chicago’s sticker price for housing might look marginally better, Round Rock’s tax advantage and higher median income give it a clear edge in purchasing power. Your $100k salary will feel more like $105k+ in Round Rock after you factor in the lack of state income tax and lower overall tax burden.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
This is where the data gets interesting. The median home prices are deceptively close: $365,000 in Chicago vs. $375,000 in Round Rock. But the context is everything.
Chicago: The Condo & City Living Game
In Chicago, $365,000 buys you a solid condo or a smaller single-family home in a neighborhood outside the hottest downtown areas. The market is a mix. You’ll find fierce competition for desirable homes, but also a vast inventory of condos and apartments. The Housing Index of 110.7 means it’s still above the national average, but it’s more accessible than many coastal cities. Renting is a viable long-term strategy here, with a large rental market.
Round Rock: The Single-Family Home Standard
In Round Rock, $375,000 is firmly in the range for a nice 3-4 bedroom single-family home, often with a yard and in a good school district. However, the Housing Index of 126.4 is significantly higher than Chicago’s, signaling intense demand and a seller’s market. The Austin metro area’s explosive growth has spilled over, making the housing market competitive and pushing prices up. You’ll be competing with other families and investors.
The Verdict: If you’re buying a single-family home, you get more house for your money in terms of space and yard in Round Rock, but you’ll face stiffer competition and a hotter market. In Chicago, the buying power is more about location and lifestyle (city vs. suburbs) rather than square footage.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
This is where personal preference trumps data.
Traffic & Commute:
- Chicago: Public transit is a lifesaver. The CTA and Metra can get you around the city and suburbs efficiently, but it’s crowded and can be unreliable. Driving is a nightmare—congestion is severe, and parking is expensive and scarce.
- Round Rock: You need a car. Period. Traffic is concentrated around I-35 and can be heavy during rush hour, especially with Austin’s growth, but it’s manageable compared to a major metro. Commutes are generally shorter, and parking is free and plentiful.
Weather:
- Chicago: Brace yourself. The data says 21.0°F is the average low in January, but that’s just the start. Winters are long, gray, and brutal, with heavy snow and biting winds. Summers are hot and humid. The weather is a true dealbreaker for many.
- Round Rock: The data shows 64.0°F as an average, but that’s misleading. Summers are scorching, often hitting 95°F+ with oppressive humidity for months. Winters are mild and short, but you get the occasional ice storm. It’s a trade-off: no snow, but you pay for it with a long, hot season.
Crime & Safety:
- Chicago: This is a complex issue. The violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100k, which is high. However, crime is hyper-local. Many neighborhoods, especially in the northern and western suburbs, are incredibly safe. You must research specific areas. The city has a reputation that often outpaces its reality in many parts.
- Round Rock: The violent crime rate is 189.0 per 100k, which is significantly lower than the national average and far lower than Chicago. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Texas. The difference is stark and is a major draw for families.
The Verdict: Who Wins Where?
After weighing the data and the lifestyle factors, here’s the final showdown.
Winner for Families: Round Rock
It’s not even close. The combination of top-rated public schools, significantly lower crime rates, more affordable single-family homes (with yards!), and a family-centric community makes Round Rock the clear choice. The lack of state income tax is a bonus for your bottom line. Chicago has great suburbs, but you’ll pay a premium for them, and the city’s challenges can be daunting for young families.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago
If you’re in your 20s or 30s and your career thrives on networking, culture, and 24/7 energy, Chicago is the undisputed champion. The job market is massive and diverse, the social and dating scene is unparalleled, and the cultural amenities are world-class. While the cost of living is high, the opportunities for career and personal growth are immense. Round Rock can feel isolating for a single person who isn’t part of the family-oriented scene.
Winner for Retirees: Round Rock
This is a tough call, but Round Rock edges it out for a specific type of retiree. If you want a peaceful, safe, and sunny community with good healthcare access and no state income tax on your retirement income, Round Rock is a winner. Chicago offers more cultural activities and walkable neighborhoods, but the brutal winters and higher overall cost of living (especially property taxes) can be a burden on a fixed income. For retirees who prioritize climate and safety over urban buzz, Texas takes the gold.
Final Pros & Cons List
Chicago: The Windy City
Pros:
- World-Class Culture: Unbeatable museums, theaters, music, and dining.
- Robust Job Market: Diverse industries and Fortune 500 headquarters.
- Public Transit: Extensive system reduces the need for a car (and its costs).
- Vibrant Neighborhoods: Each has its own unique character and charm.
- Four Distinct Seasons: If you love fall, it’s spectacular.
Cons:
- Brutal Winters: Long, cold, snowy, and gray.
- High Crime in Certain Areas: Requires diligent neighborhood research.
- High Taxes: State income tax, high sales tax, and steep property taxes.
- Traffic & Parking: A daily headache for drivers.
- Cost of Living: Higher than the national average, especially when taxes are factored in.
Round Rock: The Texas Suburb
Pros:
- Safety & Schools: Excellent schools and one of the safest cities in its class.
- No State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further.
- Family-Friendly: Parks, community events, and a strong sense of community.
- Proximity to Austin: Access to Austin’s music, food, and tech scene within 30 minutes.
- More House for Your Money: Generally larger homes with yards.
Cons:
- Car-Dependent: No real public transit; you must drive everywhere.
- Scorching Summers: Long, intense heat and humidity.
- Limited Cultural Scene: You’ll go to Austin for major concerts and museums.
- Growing Pains: Traffic congestion is increasing with Austin’s boom.
- Competitive Housing Market: Finding a home can be a challenge.
The Bottom Line: Choose Chicago if you crave the energy and opportunities of a major global city and can handle the weather and costs. Choose Round Rock if you prioritize family, safety, and a high quality of daily life in a sunny, tax-friendly environment. Now, take a deep breath, weigh your priorities, and make the call. Your new home is waiting.