Is Round Rock cheaper than Austin?
Yes. The median sale price runs roughly $120,000 below Austin’s, and rent is 10 to 18 percent lower for comparable units. Groceries and transportation also cost less.
Round Rock, TX, is a good place to live for families, professionals, and anyone who wants Austin access without Austin prices. The city of roughly 128,000 residents carries a median household income of $102,841, a median home value near $447,197, an unemployment rate of 3.57 percent, and an average commute of about 22 minutes. Livability named it one of the best places to live in the United States again in 2026.
The short version is that Round Rock delivers a strong package on the categories most people rank first: schools, safety, housing cost relative to income, and proximity to jobs. The median sale price sits roughly $120,000 below Austin’s, and rent runs 10 to 18 percent less for comparable units. What you give up is the central Austin walkability and nightlife. Evolution Moving Company has moved families into Round Rock since 2013, and the profile of who chooses it has been remarkably consistent.
Round Rock at a Glance
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Population | About 128,126 |
| Median age | 34.8 |
| Median household income | $102,841 |
| Median home value | $447,197 |
| Median rent | About $1,498 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.57% |
| Average commute | 22.2 minutes |
| Sales tax | 8.25% |
| State income tax | None |
Cost of Living
Round Rock sits about 5 percent above the national cost of living index, driven mainly by housing and property taxes. Against Austin, it comes out clearly ahead in the categories that matter most to a monthly budget.
- Housing: roughly 9 percent below the national average, and roughly $120,000 below Austin’s median sale price
- Groceries: about 13 percent below the national average
- Transportation: about 15 percent below the national average
- Utilities: about 7 percent above the national average, with electricity averaging near $249 per month
- Healthcare: about 8 percent below the national average
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,100 to $1,551, depending on the source and neighborhood. Two-bedroom units generally run $1,500 to $1,800.
Property tax is the counterweight. Rates run roughly 2.1 to 2.3 percent, which adds $700 or more per month on a $400,000 home compared with lower-tax counties. Factor this into any mortgage comparison against out-of-state markets.
Schools
Round Rock ISD serves more than 46,000 students across 50-plus schools, with a graduation rate near 97 percent and a B rating from the Texas Education Agency at 87 out of 100. Program depth is a genuine strength given the district’s size, covering STEM pathways, Advanced Placement, athletics, and fine arts. Several campuses hold A+ ratings, and Westwood Elementary rates 9 out of 10 on GreatSchools.
Note that not every Round Rock address is zoned to Round Rock ISD, and RRISD zoning carries a measurable price premium within the city. Verify the specific attendance zone before committing to a property.
Jobs and Commute
Round Rock’s employment base rests on technology, healthcare, and professional services. Dell Technologies is headquartered here, and Apple’s large North Austin campus sits nearby. St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, Ascension Seton Williamson, and Baylor Scott & White provide the healthcare anchor.
The commute picture is better than most Austin suburbs. The 22-minute average reflects that many residents work in Round Rock or along the north I-35 corridor rather than downtown. Commuting to Downtown Austin runs closer to 30 to 45 minutes depending on the time of day, and I-35 through this stretch is genuinely congested during peak hours.
What Round Rock Is Actually Like
Round Rock calls itself the Sports Capital of Texas, and the infrastructure backs it up. The city hosts the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate that plays at Dell Diamond, along with a 25 field baseball complex, a five-field softball complex, a cricket field, a disc golf course, a soccer complex, and the Rockin’ River Family Aquatic Center.
Neighborhoods are split into recognizable tiers. Arbor Place and Walsh Ranch push past $600,000. Older sections of Brushy Creek and Bent Tree offer solid homes in the $380,000 to $440,000 range. Master planned communities dominate the newer western and northern sections.
Downtown Round Rock has been redeveloped over the past decade into a walkable core with restaurants and events, though it is modest compared with what Austin offers.
The Honest Drawbacks
- Car dependence. Round Rock is built for driving. Walkability outside a few pockets is limited.
- I-35 traffic. The corridor through Round Rock is one of the more reliably congested stretches in Central Texas.
- Property taxes. At 2.1 to 2.3 percent, they meaningfully affect monthly cost despite the lower purchase price.
- Suburban character. If you want live music five nights a week and a dense restaurant scene, central Austin will suit you better.
- Growth pressure. Rapid development means ongoing construction and periodic school rezoning.
Who Round Rock Fits Best
Families with school-age children who want space, ratings, and a shorter commute than Leander or Georgetown. Professionals working at Dell, Apple, or along the north corridor. Households priced out of central Austin who still want metro access. First-time buyers targeting the $380,000 to $450,000 band.
It fits less well for people who want a walkable urban life, or whose work is anchored in South Austin or Downtown with mandatory in-office days.
Moving to Round Rock
Round Rock is an excellent choice for families seeking affordability, great neighborhoods, and convenient access to the Austin metro area. Evolution Moving Company provides dependable residential and commercial moving services throughout Round Rock, Austin, and nearby communities. With experienced movers, transparent upfront pricing, and reliable service, we make your relocation simple and stress-free. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation moving quote.