Cost of Living in Round Rock Texas: Complete Guide 2025

Understanding the cost of living in Round Rock, Texas helps you plan your budget before making the move. This Central Texas city sits just 18 miles north of Austin and offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to its big-city neighbor.

Round Rock presents a unique mix of suburban comfort and urban access. Housing costs run about 11% lower than the national average, which gives newcomers breathing room in their budgets. But Texas property taxes can catch people off guard if they're coming from states with income tax.

Housing Costs: Your Biggest Monthly Expense

Housing eats up the largest chunk of your budget when you move to Round Rock. The numbers change depending on whether you rent or buy.

Rental Market Prices

Average rent in Round Rock sits around $1,449 to $2,050 monthly as of 2025. Your actual rent depends on location and apartment size. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,500 per month. Larger units or single-family rentals can push past $2,200 monthly.

Finding housing in Round Rock requires research into different neighborhoods. Some areas offer better value than others. Check out the average rent in Round Rock by area to compare prices across the city.

Home Purchase Options

The median home value in Round Rock circles around $467,885. Single-family homes typically range between $350,000 and $500,000. This price point sits below Austin's median of over $600,000.

The Round Rock housing market shows steady growth. Property values have climbed in recent years thanks to job opportunities and quality schools.

Property Taxes You'll Pay

The median effective property tax rate in Round Rock stands at 1.61%. Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes run higher than many states. The median annual property tax bill hits $6,729.

The city tax rate for 2024-2025 sits at 36.0000 cents per $100 assessed value. You'll also pay school district taxes and county taxes on top of the city rate. Property taxes become due in October but don't become delinquent until February 1st.

Initial Move-In Expenses for New Residents

Initial expenses for a new resident in Round Rock in 2025 can range from $5,600 to $9,000 or more. This total covers several upfront costs that catch many people by surprise.

Security Deposits and First Month's Rent

Round Rock's average rent is part of the larger Austin metro area, with average rents around $2,050 to $2,140 as of mid-2025. Since landlords often require a security deposit equal to one or two months' rent, initial costs could be $4,100 to $6,420 for rent and deposit.

Some luxury apartments in Round Rock may require even higher deposits. Your rent is the biggest factor, depending on the size and location of your new home. Review Round Rock rental application tips to strengthen your application.

Professional Moving Costs

Moving costs vary significantly based on distance and the moving service used. Moving to the Austin area can cost a minimum of $2,500 according to one estimate from early 2025. The further the move, the higher the cost of professional moving services.

You can reduce costs by renting a truck yourself. But factor in gas, equipment rental, and the physical labor involved. Long-distance moves naturally cost more than local relocations.

Utility Deposits and Connection Fees

Deposits for electricity, water, and other services vary by provider and your credit history. The City of Round Rock charges a $200 deposit for electricity if credit is not established.

Application fees for credit and background checks usually range from $30 to $80 per applicant. Utility costs and deposits will vary based on your usage and the providers you choose. These smaller expenses add up quickly during your move.

Additional Setup Expenses

Furniture and setup costs are not included in the basic estimates but represent another major initial expense for many people. Budget extra money for furnishings, kitchenware, and basic household items. Specific expenses will vary based on housing type, moving distance, and utility provider.

Monthly Utility Bills and Energy Costs

Energy bills in Round Rock average around $234.40 monthly. Texas summers get hot, which drives up cooling costs significantly.

Electricity Rates and Usage

The average electricity rate in Round Rock runs 13 cents per kilowatt-hour. Most residents use about 1,611 kWh monthly, leading to average bills of $211. Summer months push usage higher when air conditioning runs constantly.

Texas has a deregulated electricity market. You choose your provider instead of being stuck with one company. This competition can save you money if you shop around for better rates.

Water and Waste Services

Water bills typically run $50 to $100 monthly depending on usage. The city provides water, wastewater, and stormwater drainage services. Your bill also includes garbage and recycling collection.

Round Rock proposed a 5% base rate increase for water and 6% for wastewater starting in 2025. These increases spread over three years to reduce rate shock for residents.

Natural Gas for Heating

Natural gas costs remain moderate in Round Rock. Atmos Energy serves the area for gas service. The company proposed a rate increase that would raise residential bills by about $8 monthly, though Round Rock denied this increase in early 2025.

Gas usage stays lower than electricity in this region. Mild winters mean less heating expense compared to northern states.

Transportation and Commuting Expenses

Gas prices in Round Rock average around $2.60 per gallon. Transportation costs run about 15% lower than the national average overall.

Vehicle Ownership Costs

Most Round Rock residents drive personal vehicles. Austin sits 18 miles south for those who commute to work. Gas expenses add up quickly if you drive daily to downtown Austin.

Basic car maintenance like tire balancing runs about $54.24. Factor in insurance, registration, and routine service when budgeting for transportation. Vehicle ownership becomes a significant monthly expense.

Public Transit Options

Public transit exists but isn't as comprehensive as major cities. Most people rely on cars for daily activities and errands. This makes vehicle ownership nearly essential for Round Rock residents.

Limited bus service connects to Austin. But schedules don't accommodate all work hours or destinations efficiently.

Food and Grocery Shopping Costs

Grocery costs run about 15% lower than the national average in Round Rock. H-E-B serves as the popular local grocery chain and offers competitive prices on everyday items.

Typical Grocery Prices

A gallon of milk costs about $4.33, eggs run around $4.85 per dozen, and potatoes circle $4.59 per pound. These prices fluctuate based on season and market conditions throughout the year.

Shopping at discount stores and buying store brands cuts costs further. Meal planning reduces waste and stretches your food budget significantly.

Dining Out and Entertainment

Movie tickets average $13.91 in Round Rock. Entertainment and grooming services cost about 4% less than the national average. A haircut usually goes for $29.12, while dry cleaning costs about $14.85.

Restaurant prices vary widely based on the type of establishment. Fast food runs cheaper than sit-down restaurants with table service and full menus.

Healthcare and Medical Expenses

Healthcare costs in Round Rock run about 6% to 7% lower than the national average. The city has quality medical facilities that serve residents well.

Doctor Visits and Dental Care

An optometry check-up costs around $142.24, while dental appointments average $117.67. These rates sit below national averages for similar services.

St. David's Round Rock Medical Center and Seton Medical Center Williamson provide local healthcare. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center also serves the area with specialized care.

Health Insurance Considerations

Health insurance costs depend on your employer plan or individual coverage. Texas doesn't offer state-run health programs beyond Medicaid for qualifying residents.

Shop during open enrollment to compare plans carefully. High-deductible plans cost less monthly but require more out-of-pocket spending for medical care.

Understanding Your Total Cost of Living in Round Rock

The average cost of living in Round Rock TX runs about 8% lower than the national average. A single adult needs around $51,720 annually before taxes to live comfortably.

Expected annual costs break down to roughly $23,220 for housing, $6,372 for groceries, and $11,520 for goods and services. Your actual costs vary based on lifestyle choices and family size.

The median household income in Round Rock sits at $97,187. This income level supports a comfortable lifestyle for most families in the area.

Texas has no state income tax, which increases your take-home pay. But remember that property taxes and sales taxes fill the gap. The statewide sales tax sits at 6.25%, with local taxes adding up to 2% more.

Factors That Influence Your Personal Costs

Your individual cost of living in Round Rock varies based on several important factors. Rent takes the biggest bite from your budget based on home size and location within the city.

Moving distance affects your initial costs significantly. Local moves cost less than cross-country relocations by thousands of dollars. Professional movers charge based on distance and the volume of belongings.

Utility usage changes with household size and personal habits. Larger families use more water and electricity naturally. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher in summer reduces cooling costs substantially.

Furniture and home setup add major initial expenses not included in basic estimates. These costs matter for your budget planning. Buy used furniture or shop sales to save money on setup costs.

Making Your Move to Round Rock Work Financially

Round Rock offers solid value compared to Austin and other major Texas cities. The cost of living in Round Rock stays manageable for most middle-income families seeking quality of life.

Plan ahead and save money before your move. Having 3-6 months of expenses saved gives you a financial cushion for unexpected costs. This buffer helps if surprise expenses pop up during your transition.

Research neighborhoods thoroughly before signing a lease or buying property. Different areas have different price points and amenities available. Your commute time and access to schools matter for daily life.

Take advantage of Texas tax benefits when planning your budget. No state income tax means more money in your pocket compared to other states. Just budget carefully for property taxes if you buy a home.



Round Rock combines suburban living with urban access to Austin. The city offers quality schools, safe neighborhoods, and growing job opportunities in technology and healthcare. Your cost of living stays reasonable while enjoying Central Texas benefits year-round.