📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Round Rock and New York
Head-to-Head Analysis
Round Rock vs New York
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Round Rock | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $102,420 | $76,577 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 5.3% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $375,000 | $875,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $197 | $604 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,635 | $2,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 126.4 | 149.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 91.9 | 109.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.35 | $2.89 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 189.0 | 364.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 45.9% | 42.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 31 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
The Ultimate Head-to-Head: New York vs. Round Rock
Choosing a place to live isn't just about picking a pin on the map. It's a lifestyle decision. You're not just moving to a city; you're moving to a rhythm, a community, and a daily reality.
So, let's pit the concrete jungle against the Texas hill country. New York City—the global capital of ambition, culture, and chaos. Round Rock—a booming Austin suburb known for family-friendly vibes and corporate HQs (looking at you, Dell). This isn't a fair fight. This is about which one fits your life, right now.
Let's break it down, head-to-head.
1. The Vibe Check: Energy vs. Ease
New York City is a perpetual motion machine. It’s the city that never sleeps for a reason. The vibe is electric, relentless, and demanding. You trade personal space for unparalleled access—to world-class museums, Broadway shows, 24-hour diners, and a career scene that is second to none. It’s a city for people who want to be in the center of everything, who thrive on energy, and who can handle the beautiful chaos. You’re not just living in New York; you’re participating in it.
Round Rock is the definition of "breathe easy." Located just 25 minutes north of downtown Austin, it’s a classic Texas suburb. The vibe is family-oriented, community-focused, and car-centric. Think manicured lawns, sprawling parks, and a Friday night lights football culture. It’s for those who want a quieter pace, more space to spread out, and a life centered around family, backyard barbecues, and easy access to the vibrant culture of Austin without the downtown price tag. It’s a place to put down roots, not just pass through.
Who’s it for?
- New York: The ambitious young professional, the artist, the foodie, the career-driven individual who wants the world at their doorstep.
- Round Rock: The growing family, the remote worker seeking a lower cost of living, the professional who works for a tech company (like Dell, Emerson, or Tesla nearby) and wants a community feel.
2. The Dollar Power: Where Your Paycheck Goes Further
This is where the rubber meets the road. A $100,000 salary feels drastically different in these two locations. Let's talk about purchasing power—the real value of your money after taxes and living costs.
First, a crucial tax note: Texas has no state income tax. New York State has a progressive tax system, with rates ranging from 4% to 10.9% on top of the federal rate. For a high earner, this is a massive difference.
Let's look at the hard numbers for monthly expenses (excluding taxes):
| Expense Category | New York | Round Rock | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $2,451 | $1,635 | $816/month |
| Utilities (Basic) | $160 | $200 | - |
| Groceries | $450 | $380 | $70/month |
| Transportation | $127 (MTA) | $300 (Car + Gas) | - |
| Housing Index | 149.3 | 126.4 | +22.9% |
The Salary Wars:
In Round Rock, the median income is $102,420. In New York, it's $76,577. But the cost of living tells the real story.
If you earn $100,000 in New York City, after federal and state taxes, your take-home pay is roughly $68,000-$70,000 annually. Your rent for a 1BR alone can easily consume $29,412 (over 42% of your take-home pay), which is considered financially strained.
In Round Rock, earning $100,000 means taking home nearly $80,000 (thanks to 0% state income tax). Your rent for a 1BR would be about $19,620 annually, or roughly 24% of your take-home pay. That’s a healthy ratio.
The Verdict on Buying Power: Round Rock wins decisively. Your dollar stretches significantly further. The "sticker shock" of NYC is real, and while the salary might be higher in some industries, the cost of living eats into those gains. In Texas, especially in the suburbs, you get more house for your money, and your income isn't reduced by a state tax.
3. The Housing Market: Buying vs. Renting
New York City:
- Buyers Market? No. It's a relentless seller's market. The median home price of $875,000 is a starting point in many boroughs. Competition is fierce, bidding wars are common, and you're often competing with all-cash offers. Condos and co-ops come with monthly maintenance fees that can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly cost.
- Renting Reality: The rental market is equally cutthroat. You'll face broker fees (often 15% of annual rent), credit checks, and fierce competition. The $2,451 figure for a 1BR is an average; in desirable Manhattan or Brooklyn neighborhoods, it's much higher.
Round Rock:
- Buyers Market? Competitive, but accessible. With a median home price of $375,000, you're looking at nearly half the cost of a NYC home. Inventory is growing with the Austin metro expansion, but desirable homes still move quickly. It's a strong seller's market, but one where a middle-class income can still realistically enter the market.
- Renting Reality: The market is more stable. The $1,635 1BR rent is more manageable. You get more space (often a townhome or apartment with amenities like a pool and gym) for your money. You'll almost certainly need a car, which is factored into the overall cost.
Winner: Round Rock. While both are seller's markets, the barrier to entry in NYC is astronomically higher. Round Rock offers a tangible path to homeownership for the median earner, whereas in NYC, it's often a distant dream for many.
4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute:
- New York: Your commute is likely by foot or subway. The MTA is 24/7 but can be crowded, delayed, and hot. A 30-minute commute is standard. The "dealbreaker" here is the lack of personal space and the occasional unpredictability. You don't need a car, which is a huge savings.
- Round Rock: You need a car. Commutes are by highway (I-35). Traffic to Austin can be congested, but it's a predictable drive. Short trips to the grocery store are the norm. The dealbreaker? The lack of walkability and the dependency on a vehicle.
Weather:
- New York: 50.0°F average. You get four distinct, sometimes extreme, seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (Nor'easters are a thing). Summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are gorgeous but brief. The dealbreaker is the harsh winter if you hate the cold and snow.
- Round Rock: 64.0°F average, but don't be fooled. This is Texas. Summers are brutally hot and long, with temperatures routinely hitting 100°F+ and high humidity. Winters are mild but can have ice storms. The dealbreaker is the intense, sustained summer heat.
Crime & Safety:
- New York: With a violent crime rate of 364.2/100k, NYC is safer than many large cities but has pockets of higher crime. Your safety perception depends heavily on the neighborhood. It's generally safe, but city-dweller awareness is key.
- Round Rock: A violent crime rate of 189.0/100k is significantly lower. It's consistently ranked as one of the safer cities in the Austin metro. For families, this is a major draw. The dealbreaker here is the illusion of complete safety; property crime can still occur.
Winner: Depends on your priority. For commute and walkability, NYC wins (no car needed). For safety and predictable home life, Round Rock wins. For weather, it's a toss-up—do you prefer cold snow or scorching heat?
5. The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart?
This isn't about one city being "better." It's about which one aligns with your life stage, goals, and personality.
Winner for Families: Round Rock
Why: It's not even close. The lower cost of living, safer environment, better schools (Round Rock ISD is top-rated), and abundance of parks, community events, and backyards make it a dream for raising kids. You can afford a larger home, and the slower pace reduces stress.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: New York
Why: The career opportunities are unparalleled. The networking, the culture, the dating scene, the sheer variety of experiences—it's the ultimate playground for the ambitious and curious. You can live without a car, and the city's energy is a catalyst for growth. The high cost is the price of admission to a unique life experience.
Winner for Retirees: Round Rock
Why: Texas's 0% state income tax is a huge boon for retirees living on fixed incomes (pensions, Social Security, 401k withdrawals). The warmer climate, lower cost of living, and peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle are ideal for a relaxed retirement. While NYC has culture, the cost and pace can be draining in later years.
Final Pros & Cons
New York City: Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Unmatched Career Opportunities: Global hub for finance, media, tech, and the arts.
- Walkability & Public Transit: No car needed. 24/7 subway access.
- Infinite Culture & Dining: World-class museums, theaters, concerts, and restaurants on every corner.
- Diversity & Energy: A melting pot of cultures and a constant, stimulating buzz.
CONS:
- Extreme Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are astronomical. $875k median home is out of reach for most.
- High Taxes: State income tax can take a significant bite out of your paycheck.
- Space & Privacy: You get less for your money. Apartments are small, and public spaces are crowded.
- Stress & Pace: The constant noise, pace, and competition can be exhausting.
Round Rock: Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Affordability: $375k median home price and lower rent drastically improve quality of life.
- No State Income Tax: A major financial advantage that boosts take-home pay.
- Safety & Family-Friendly: Low crime rates and top-ranked public schools.
- Proximity to Austin: Access to a vibrant, creative city (music, food, tech) without the downtown price tag.
CONS:
- Car Dependency: You need a car for almost everything. Walkability is low.
- Limited "Big City" Culture: Fewer major museums, Broadway shows, or international cuisine options compared to NYC.
- Brutal Summers: The heat is intense and lasts for months.
- Less Diversity: While growing, it lacks the sheer cultural mix of a global city like NYC.
The Bottom Line: Choose New York if you're chasing the pinnacle of your career and crave a life of endless stimulation. Choose Round Rock if you're building a life (and a family) and want financial stability, space, and a supportive community. Your money, and your peace of mind, will go much further in Texas.