📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Round Rock and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Round Rock vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Round Rock | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $102,420 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $375,000 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $197 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,635 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 126.4 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 91.9 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.35 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 189.0 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 45.9% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Let’s cut the fluff and get right to it. You’re trying to decide between the glittering, chaotic beast that is Los Angeles and the quiet, suburban powerhouse of Round Rock, Texas.
This isn't just a choice of geography; it's a choice of lifestyles, bank accounts, and future security. I’ve crunched the numbers, looked at the traffic stats, and analyzed the vibe. Here’s the ultimate head-to-head showdown.
The Vibe Check: Hollywood Hustle vs. Texas Ease
Los Angeles is the definition of a fast-paced, high-stakes metro. It’s a sprawling collection of distinct neighborhoods where traffic is a sport, ambition is the local currency, and the weather is a consistent 72°F (the data says 54°F, but that’s likely a yearly average low; the vibe is eternal sunshine). It’s for the dreamers, the creators, and those who thrive on energy. If you want to rub shoulders with the industry elite and have endless options for dining, nightlife, and culture, LA is your playground. But be warned: the "laid-back" California stereotype vanishes the moment you hit the 405 freeway.
Round Rock offers a completely different flavor. Located just north of Austin, it’s the epitome of Texas suburban charm. It’s family-centric, community-driven, and moves at a manageable pace. The vibe here is "safe, comfortable, and practical." It’s for those who want a great school system, a yard for the dog, and a commute that doesn’t require a mental health check. The weather is warmer and more humid than LA, with real summers (think 90°F+ and sticky), but winters are mild. It’s the land of Friday night football and BBQ joints.
Who is each city for?
- Los Angeles: The ambitious professional, the artist, the foodie, and the single urbanite who values diversity and culture over square footage.
- Round Rock: The growing family, the remote worker seeking a lower cost of living, and anyone who prioritizes safety, space, and financial stability.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk about "Purchasing Power"—the real-world value of your paycheck.
First, the elephant in the room: Taxes. California has some of the highest income taxes in the nation, with rates climbing up to 13.3% for high earners. Texas has 0% state income tax. That’s a massive immediate boost to your take-home pay, which we’ll factor into the equation.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles, CA | Round Rock, TX | Winner (Cost) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $79,701 | $102,420 | Round Rock |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $1,635 | Round Rock |
| Housing Index | 173.0 (73% above US avg) | 126.4 (26% above US avg) | Round Rock |
| Groceries | ~18% above US avg | ~10% above US avg | Round Rock |
| Utilities | ~18% above US avg | ~16% above US avg | Tie/Slight LA |
Let's break down the "Salary Wars":
Imagine you earn $100,000 a year.
- In Los Angeles: After California state taxes (roughly 6-9% for this bracket), federal taxes, and FICA, your take-home is around $68,000 - $70,000. You’re paying $2,006 for a basic apartment, leaving you with about $55,000 for everything else. In a city where a cocktail costs $20 and a meal easily hits $50, that money evaporates.
- In Round Rock: With 0% state income tax, your take-home on $100,000 is closer to $75,000 - $77,000. Your rent is $1,635, leaving you with about $62,000. That’s an extra $7,000+ in your pocket annually, just from taxes and rent. In Texas, your money stretches further—it buys more groceries, more gas, and more entertainment.
The Verdict: Round Rock is the clear financial heavyweight. The combination of a higher median income and significantly lower living costs creates a powerful financial buffer. The "sticker shock" in LA is real; in Round Rock, you get serious bang for your buck.
The Housing Market: Buying a Dream vs. Buying a Future
This category is a tale of two very different markets.
Los Angeles: The Seller’s Paradise (For the Wealthy)
The median home price is a staggering $1,002,500. That’s not a typo. To afford a median home, you’d need a household income of over $250,000 just to meet the 28/36 rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing). The market is fiercely competitive. Bidding wars are common, all-cash offers are the norm, and you’re often competing against investors. Renting is the reality for most, but even that is a financial strain. The barrier to entry is sky-high.
Round Rock: The Buyer’s Market (For the Aspiring)
The median home price is $375,000. Less than half of LA’s price. A household earning $100,000 can comfortably qualify for a mortgage here. The market is active but more balanced. While inventory can be tight in desirable neighborhoods, you aren’t facing the same cutthroat competition. You can realistically own a 3-4 bedroom home with a yard for the price of a 500sq ft apartment in LA. The housing index (126.4) shows it’s still pricier than the national average, but it’s a gentle slope compared to LA’s sheer cliff face (173.0).
Verdict: For the vast majority of people, Round Rock is the only viable option for homeownership. LA is a market for the top 10% of earners or those with generational wealth.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Los Angeles: Legendary. Bad. The average commute is 30-45 minutes but can easily hit 90+ during peak hours. The 405 and I-10 are parking lots. Public transit exists (Metro) but is limited for a city of its size.
- Round Rock: Much more manageable. Most commutes are under 30 minutes, even to Austin. Traffic exists but is predictable. The city is built for cars, and you can get anywhere without the gridlock anxiety of LA.
Weather
- Los Angeles: The gold standard for many. Dry, Mediterranean climate. Rarely too hot, rarely too cold. Low humidity. The downside? A lack of distinct seasons and a growing wildfire risk.
- Round Rock: Classic Texas weather. Hot, humid summers (think 90°F+ with high humidity) that can be oppressive. Mild, pleasant winters. You get all four seasons, but summer is long and intense. Humidity is a major lifestyle adjustment if you’re not used to it.
Crime & Safety
- Los Angeles: The data shows a violent crime rate of 732.5 per 100k. This is significantly higher than the national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood; some areas are incredibly safe, while others have higher crime rates. It requires street smarts and vigilance.
- Round Rock: With a violent crime rate of 189.0 per 100k, it’s well below the national average. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Texas. You can feel comfortable walking at night, and the community is tight-knit.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?
Winner for Families: Round Rock
Why: The trifecta of safety, top-tier schools (Round Rock ISD is excellent), and affordable homeownership is unbeatable. You can own a home, build equity, and raise kids in a safe community without breaking the bank. The family-friendly activities, parks, and community events are abundant.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Los Angeles
Why: If your career is in entertainment, tech, fashion, or any creative field, LA’s network is unparalleled. The dating scene, nightlife, cultural events, and sheer diversity of experiences are unmatched. The financial struggle is real, but for those in the right industries, the career upside and social life are worth the trade-off.
Winner for Retirees: Round Rock
Why: Fixed income? Texas is your friend. 0% state income tax on Social Security and pensions is a massive financial relief. The lower cost of living, especially housing, means your retirement savings go much further. Add in the safe environment and mild winters (compared to the Northeast), and it’s a retiree’s paradise.
Pros & Cons: At a Glance
Los Angeles, CA
Pros:
- Unmatched career opportunities in specific industries.
- Incredible diversity of food, culture, and entertainment.
- World-class weather (dry, mild).
- Iconic beaches and natural beauty nearby.
Cons:
- Extreme cost of living. Housing is unaffordable for most.
- Brutal traffic and long commutes.
- High state income tax.
- Competitive, high-stress environment.
Round Rock, TX
Pros:
- Significantly lower cost of living and affordable housing.
- 0% state income tax.
- Excellent safety and top-rated schools.
- Manageable commute and a more relaxed pace of life.
- Strong job market, especially with ties to Austin’s tech scene.
Cons:
- Hot, humid summers can be intense.
- Fewer world-class cultural amenities compared to a major coastal city.
- Less diversity in dining and entertainment (though Austin is close).
- Car-dependent lifestyle.
The Bottom Line: Choose Los Angeles if you’re chasing a specific dream and are willing to hustle for every inch of it. Choose Round Rock if you want a high quality of life, financial stability, and a place to put down roots without the constant financial pressure. For most people, Round Rock offers a more sustainable and secure future.