Average Salary in Round Rock Texas: Real Cost of Living

The average salary in Round Rock Texas plays a big role in whether you can actually afford to live here comfortably. This Austin suburb has grown fast over the past decade. More tech companies have moved in. Housing prices have climbed. The question isn't just about finding a job anymore. It's about finding one that pays enough to cover your bills and still have money left over.

Let's break down the real numbers. The median household income in Round Rock sits around $87,000 according to recent census data. That's higher than the national average. But here's what matters more: does that income actually match what it costs to live here?

Understanding the Round Rock Cost of Living

Round Rock isn't cheap anymore. The city has transformed from a quiet suburb into a booming tech hub. Companies like Dell and IKEA have major operations here. Population growth has pushed prices up across the board.

The average salary in Round Rock Texas needs to cover several major expenses. Housing takes the biggest bite out of your paycheck. Transportation comes next. Then you have groceries, utilities, and healthcare. Entertainment and savings round out the picture.

Housing Costs Breakdown

Housing will likely eat up the largest chunk of your income. The median home price in Round Rock hovers around $380,000. That's up significantly from just five years ago.

If you're buying a home, you'll need to calculate your mortgage payment. A $380,000 home with 10% down at current interest rates means a monthly payment of about $2,500. Add in property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Your total housing cost could hit $3,200 per month.

Renters face steep prices too. A one bedroom apartment averages $1,400 monthly. Two bedroom units run closer to $1,800. Three bedroom homes for rent typically start at $2,200.

Financial experts recommend spending no more than 30% of your gross income on housing. Using that rule, you'd need to earn at least $120,000 annually to afford that median priced home. For a $1,800 apartment in Round Rock, Texas, you'd need roughly $72,000 per year.

Transportation and Daily Commute

Round Rock sprawls out. Most residents need a car to get around. Public transit exists but remains limited compared to major cities.

Car payments, insurance, gas, and maintenance add up quickly. The average car payment in Texas runs about $550 monthly. Insurance costs another $150 to $200. Gas prices fluctuate but budget around $200 monthly for a typical commute.

Add $100 monthly for maintenance and unexpected repairs. Your transportation costs could total $1,000 per month or more. That's $12,000 annually just to keep wheels under you.

Groceries and Daily Necessities

Food costs have risen everywhere. Round Rock is no exception. A single person might spend $300 to $400 monthly on groceries. A family of four easily hits $800 to $1,000.

H-E-B remains the go to grocery store for most locals. Prices are reasonable compared to other chains. But organic options and specialty items cost more. Eating out adds another layer of expense. A casual dinner for two runs $50 to $70 with tip.

Budget at least $500 monthly per person for food when you combine groceries and occasional dining out.

The Real Average Salary in Round Rock Texas You Need

Now we can put together the full picture. A comfortable living wage in Round Rock depends on your situation. Single professionals have different needs than families.

For Single Adults

A single person without dependents needs less than a family. But the numbers still add up fast. Here's a realistic monthly budget:

• Housing: $1,400 (one bedroom apartment)
• Transportation: $800
• Food: $500
• Utilities: $150
• Healthcare: $200
• Phone and internet: $100
• Personal expenses: $200
• Savings: $400

That totals $3,750 monthly or $45,000 annually. But this is bare bones. You're not building significant savings. You can't handle major emergencies easily. You have little room for fun.

A more comfortable average salary in Round Rock Texas for singles would be $60,000 to $65,000. This gives you breathing room. You can save properly. You can enjoy the city's restaurants and activities.

For Families

Families need substantially more. Two adults and two kids face much higher costs. Childcare alone can run $1,200 to $1,500 per child monthly. That's before school age.

A realistic family budget in Round Rock looks like this:

• Housing: $2,500 (mortgage or three bedroom rental)
• Transportation: $1,200 (two vehicles)
• Food: $1,000
• Utilities: $250
• Healthcare: $500
• Childcare: $2,000 (for two young children)
• Phone and internet: $150
• Personal expenses: $400
• Savings: $500

Monthly total: $8,500 or $102,000 annually. This barely covers the basics. School age kids reduce childcare costs but add other expenses. Activities, sports, and school supplies add up.

A comfortable average salary in Round Rock Texas for a family of four should be $110,000 to $130,000. This allows for adequate savings, emergency funds, and some quality of life improvements.

How Round Rock Salaries Compare to Costs

The median income round rock residents earn sits at $87,000 per household. That falls between our single and family calculations. But remember, that's household income. It often includes two earners.

If both adults work, they might each earn $40,000 to $50,000. That puts families in a tight spot. They can afford the basics. But saving for retirement, college, or emergencies becomes challenging.

Tech workers and professionals typically earn more. Software developers in Round Rock average $85,000 to $110,000. Project managers pull in $90,000 to $120,000. These salaries provide comfortable living standards.

Service industry workers face harder circumstances. Retail positions pay $25,000 to $35,000. Restaurant workers earn similar amounts. These individuals often work multiple jobs or rely on roommates to afford Round Rock.

Smart Strategies to Make Your Salary Work

Living in Round Rock on a tight budget requires planning. Several strategies can help stretch your income further.

Consider your location carefully within the city. Some up and coming neighborhoods cost significantly less than others. Areas farther from downtown Austin typically offer better value. You might add commute time but save hundreds monthly.

Roommates or house sharing cuts housing costs dramatically. A $1,800 two bedroom split between two people costs just $900 each. That's $500 monthly savings compared to a one bedroom alone.

Shop smart for necessities. H-E-B offers good prices but watch for sales. Buy store brands. Cook at home more often. These small changes save $200 to $300 monthly for most people.

Review your transportation needs honestly. Can you manage with one car? Could you bike to work sometimes? Even cutting one car saves $500 to $700 monthly between payment, insurance, and gas.

Look for employer benefits you might miss. Some companies offer childcare assistance. Others provide commuter benefits or gym memberships. These perks effectively boost your average salary in Round Rock Texas without increasing your paycheck.

The Bottom Line on Round Rock Living Costs

Round Rock offers a lot. Good schools, low crime, plenty of jobs, and proximity to Austin's culture. But it costs money to live here. The average salary in Round Rock Texas needs to be substantial for comfortable living.

Single adults should aim for $60,000 minimum. That provides security and quality of life. Families need $110,000 or more to live comfortably and save adequately. These numbers might seem high. But they reflect the reality of housing costs and daily expenses in this growing city.



The good news is that Round Rock's job market supports these salary levels. Tech companies pay well. Healthcare facilities offer solid wages. Professional services provide good compensation. You can find work that pays enough if you have the right skills.

Plan carefully before moving here. Calculate your actual costs. Compare them honestly to your income or job prospects. Round Rock is a great place to live. But only if your salary matches the bill.