Round Rock vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Round Rock	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$102,420	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$375,000	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$197	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,635	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	126.4	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	91.9	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.35	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	189.0	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	45.9%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	39

San Antonio vs. Round Rock: The Ultimate Texas Hill Country Showdown

So, you're looking to plant your roots in Central Texas? Smart move. You've narrowed it down to two heavy hitters: San Antonio, the cultural behemoth, and Round Rock, the polished, fast-growing suburb. But they aren't just different sizes; they’re different lifestyles entirely.

As your relocation expert, I’m here to cut through the marketing fluff. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or looking for a quieter retirement, the choice between these two cities is a stark one. Let's dig in.

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The Vibe Check: Big City Soul vs. Suburban Polish

San Antonio is a city with a heartbeat you can feel the moment you step out of the airport. It’s the 7th largest city in the U.S. and the crown jewel of South Texas. The vibe here is unapologetically authentic. You’re talking a city of 1.49 million people that balances deep history (the Alamo), a booming River Walk district, and a legendary food scene that blends Tex-Mex, BBQ, and German heritage.

This is a city for the culture seeker, the foodie, and anyone who wants to feel the pulse of a major metro without the astronomical price tags of Austin or Dallas. It’s sprawling, diverse, and endlessly explorable. If you crave constant options—concerts, museums, international dining—San Antonio is your playground.

Round Rock, on the other hand, is the definition of a master-planned suburb. Located just 20 miles north of Austin, it’s a city of 131,735 that feels like a well-oiled machine. The vibe here is family-first, safe, and efficient. It’s clean, organized, and heavily influenced by the tech and corporate presence of nearby Austin (Dell is headquartered here).

Round Rock is for the pragmatist. It’s for the family that wants excellent schools, a low crime rate, and a backyard without the chaos of a downtown core. It’s a quieter, more controlled environment where community events and youth sports rule the weekend. If San Antonio is a bustling bazaar, Round Rock is a pristine shopping center.

Who is it for?

• San Antonio: Urbanites, culture hounds, foodies, and those who want big-city amenities on a mid-sized budget.
• Round Rock: Suburban families, commuters to Austin, and those prioritizing safety and school districts above all else.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Go Further?

Let's talk turkey. Texas has no state income tax, which is a massive win for both cities. But the cost of living is where the rubber meets the road. We need to talk about purchasing power—how far does your salary actually stretch?

Here’s the raw data. I’ve used a Housing Index where 100 is the national average. Anything below is cheaper; above is more expensive.

Category	San Antonio	Round Rock	The Takeaway
Median Income	$62,322	$102,420	Round Rock residents earn 64% more on average.
Median Home Price	$264,900	$375,000	San Antonio homes are $110k cheaper (a 41% discount).
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,635	Rent in Round Rock is 37% higher.
Housing Index	94.2	126.4	San Antonio is 5.8% below the national average; Round Rock is 26.4% above.
Groceries/Utilities	~10% below nat'l avg	~5% below nat'l avg	Both are affordable, but San Antonio edges out slightly.

The Salary War: Who Wins on Purchasing Power?

This is the most crucial part of the analysis. On paper, Round Rock looks like the financial winner with a median income of $102,420. But let's break it down.

Scenario: You earn $100,000 per year.

• In Round Rock: Your $100k feels like... $100k. But your housing costs are 26.4% higher than the national average. That median home price of $375,000 will command a monthly mortgage of around $2,300 (with 20% down). You'll be house-poor if you're a single earner, but comfortable as a dual-income household. Your money goes far, but the cost of entry is steep.
• In San Antonio: Your $100k feels like $105k+ because housing is 5.8% below the national average. That median home price of $264,900 translates to a monthly mortgage of roughly $1,600. That’s $700 less per month in housing costs. That’s a car payment, a hefty investment, or a luxury vacation fund.

Verdict on Purchasing Power: While Round Rock residents have higher salaries, San Antonio offers dramatically better bang for your buck. Your dollar stretches further in San Antonio, especially for housing. If you're moving with a modest salary, San Antonio is the financial safe harbor.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio: The Buyer's Market (for Now)

The San Antonio housing market is active but not scorching hot. With a median home price of $264,900, it remains one of the most affordable major cities in the U.S. Inventory is decent, giving buyers some leverage. It's a fantastic entry point for first-time homebuyers. Renters also have a wealth of options at lower price points, though quality can vary widely by neighborhood.

Round Rock: The Competitive Seller's Market

Round Rock is a prime example of a high-demand suburb. Its median price of $375,000 reflects its desirability, safety, and school ratings. The market here is competitive, often seeing bidding wars, especially for homes in the top-rated school zones. Rent is also steep, with a 1BR averaging $1,635. If you're not ready to buy, renting in Round Rock can feel like a steep price for a suburban lifestyle.

Housing Winner: San Antonio. It offers more home for your money, easier entry for buyers, and more affordable rent.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

This is where personal preference trumps data.

Traffic & Commute

• San Antonio: Traffic is real, but it's manageable compared to Houston or Austin. The city is spread out, so commutes can be long if you live on the far north side and work downtown (30-45 mins). Public transit (VIA) exists but isn't robust.
• Round Rock: The big win here is the commute to Austin. It's a straight shot down I-35. However, I-35 is notoriously congested. A 20-mile drive can easily take 45 minutes during rush hour. For local commutes, it's a breeze.

Weather

• San Antonio: Expect hot, humid summers. Temperatures regularly soar above 95°F from June to September. Winters are mild (rarely below freezing). It's classic Texas heat.
• Round Rock: Slightly more temperate, but still hot. The data shows an average of 64.0°F, but that's misleading—it's the annual average. Summers are still brutal, though it can be a few degrees cooler than San Antonio due to elevation. Winters see more frost and occasional ice storms.

Crime & Safety

This is the starkest difference in the data.

• San Antonio: Violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100k. This is above the national average. While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, crime is a citywide reality. You must be neighborhood-aware.
• Round Rock: Violent crime rate is 189.0 per 100k. This is significantly below the national average and one of the lowest for a city of its size. It's a major selling point for families.

Dealbreaker Verdict: If safety is your #1 non-negotiable, Round Rock wins by a landslide. If you can tolerate higher crime for lower cost and more culture, San Antonio is viable.

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The Final Verdict: Picking Your Winner

It’s time to crown the champions for different life stages.

🏆 Winner for Families: Round Rock

Why: The data is unbeatable. Lower crime (189 vs. 798), top-tier school districts (Round Rock ISD is renowned), and a community built around family activities. The higher median income ($102k) supports the higher cost of living. It’s the textbook definition of a safe, nurturing suburban environment for raising kids.

🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Antonio

Why: The purchasing power is king. A young pro earning $60k-$80k can afford a decent apartment or even a starter home in San Antonio. The cultural scene, nightlife, and food scene are vibrant and diverse. It’s a city where you can build a social life without needing a car payment that rivals your rent. Round Rock’s higher costs and family-centric vibe can feel isolating for singles.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: San Antonio

Why: While Round Rock is safe, San Antonio offers more for retirees on a fixed income. Lower housing costs mean your retirement savings go further. The city has a wealth of cultural activities, healthcare systems (with major medical centers), and a slower, more historic pace of life in areas like Alamo Heights or Monte Vista. The weather is warmer, which is a plus for many retirees. Round Rock is great, but it’s younger and more expensive.

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Pros & Cons: At a Glance

San Antonio

Pros:

• Affordable Housing: Median home price of $264,900 is a steal for a major city.
• Rich Culture & Food: Unbeatable Tex-Mex, history, and festivals.
• Big-City Amenities: Pro sports (Spurs), symphony, major airport (SAT).
• Strong Purchasing Power: Your salary stretches further.

Cons:

• Higher Crime: Violent crime rate of 798/100k requires vigilance.
• Summer Heat & Humidity: Brutal from June-September.
• Urban Sprawl: Can feel disconnected if you live far from your daily spots.
• Traffic: Congestion is growing.

Round Rock

Pros:

• Excellent Safety: Violent crime rate of 189/100k is incredibly low.
• Top-Tier Schools: Round Rock ISD is a major draw.
• Proximity to Austin: Easy access to a larger job market and tech scene.
• Clean & Organized: Well-maintained infrastructure and parks.

Cons:

• High Cost of Living: Housing index of 126.4 is steep.
• "Sleeper" Vibe: Can feel generic or lacking in unique character.
• I-35 Commute: The artery to Austin is a notorious bottleneck.
• Less Cultural Depth: Fewer museums, historic districts, and diverse dining.

The Bottom Line: Your choice boils down to a fundamental trade-off: Culture & Affordability (San Antonio) vs. Safety & Schools (Round Rock). There’s no wrong answer, only the right fit for your next chapter. Choose wisely.