Living in Round Rock for Young Professionals Cost: Real Numbers and What to Expect
Darlene D • January 15, 2026
Living in Round Rock for young professionals cost runs significantly lower than Austin while maintaining access to major opportunities. This growing suburb attracts career focused individuals seeking affordable housing near tech jobs. Understanding actual expenses helps you determine if this location fits your budget and lifestyle.
Round Rock combines suburban comfort with professional advantages. Major employers anchor the local economy providing career growth. The question becomes whether the lifestyle matches your expectations as a young professional.
Breaking Down Living in Round Rock for Young Professionals Cost
The living in Round Rock for young professionals cost starts with housing as your largest expense. Single professionals need to budget carefully across multiple categories. Your actual costs depend on lifestyle choices and housing preferences.
A single adult with no dependents needs approximately $72,000 annually to live comfortably. This salary supports adequate housing, transportation, food, and discretionary spending. Lower incomes remain viable but require strict budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. Understanding the average salary in Round Rock helps gauge whether your income aligns with local standards.
Monthly Housing Expenses
Housing costs vary dramatically based on preferences and locations. Renting provides flexibility while you establish your career. Buying makes sense once you commit to staying long term.
Average apartment rent in Round Rock runs $1,174 monthly. This sits 28% below national averages making it attractive financially. One bedroom apartments typically cost $1,000 to $1,400 depending on location and amenities.
Newer apartment complexes with modern amenities charge premium rates. Expect $1,300 to $1,800 for updated units with pools and fitness centers. Older complexes offer better value around $900 to $1,200 monthly.
Roommate situations significantly reduce housing costs for young professionals. Splitting a two bedroom apartment brings individual costs to $600 to $900. Many young professionals choose this option initially when building careers.
Home buying remains accessible for established young professionals here. The median home price sits around $490,173 currently. First time buyers can find starter homes from $250,000 to $350,000 in some neighborhoods.
Monthly mortgage payments depend on down payment and interest rates. A $300,000 home with 10% down costs roughly $2,000 monthly. Add property taxes, insurance, and maintenance bringing totals to $2,500 to $2,800.
Transportation Costs
Car ownership becomes essential for young professionals in Round Rock. Public transportation remains limited making vehicles necessary. Budget for all associated expenses when calculating costs.
Average car payments run $400 to $550 monthly for newer vehicles. Used cars reduce this expense but may require more maintenance. Insurance costs $120 to $180 monthly depending on coverage and driving record.
Gas expenses average $150 to $200 monthly for typical commuting. Round Rock's layout requires driving for most activities. Prices fluctuate but stay reasonable compared to coastal areas.
Maintenance and repairs add $100 to $150 monthly when averaged annually. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and unexpected fixes accumulate. Setting aside money prevents financial surprises when issues arise.
Total transportation costs reach $770 to $1,080 monthly for most young professionals. This represents a significant portion of monthly budgets. Living near work or major amenities reduces some costs.
Food and Grocery Expenses
Grocery costs in Round Rock run 14.8% below national averages. This advantage helps young professionals stretch food budgets further. Cooking at home maximizes savings versus dining out regularly.
Single young professionals typically spend $300 to $400 monthly on groceries. This assumes mostly home cooking with occasional convenience items. Shopping sales and buying store brands reduces costs further.
Dining out and social eating adds substantially to food budgets. Round Rock offers diverse restaurant options across price ranges. Budget $200 to $400 monthly for restaurants and bars depending on lifestyle.
Coffee shop visits accumulate quickly for young professionals. Daily coffee runs cost $100 to $150 monthly easily. Happy hours and weekend dining add another layer of expense.
Total food costs range from $500 to $800 monthly realistically. Social young professionals often exceed these amounts. Balancing home cooking with social dining becomes important financially.
Utilities and Services
Utilities in Round Rock run 9% higher than national averages. Summer air conditioning drives electricity costs up significantly. Budget accordingly for seasonal variations in expenses.
Electricity averages $120 to $180 monthly depending on apartment size and usage. Summer months from June through September spike costs considerably. Expect bills reaching $150 to $250 during peak heat.
Internet service costs $60 to $80 monthly for adequate speeds. Working from home requires reliable high speed connections. Streaming and gaming benefit from premium tier services.
Phone plans average $70 to $100 monthly for most carriers. Many young professionals use family plans reducing individual costs. Unlimited data plans cost more but prevent overage charges.
Water and trash typically cost $40 to $60 monthly for apartments. Many complexes include these in rent simplifying budgeting. Single family homes require separate utility accounts.
Total utilities reach $290 to $420 monthly for most young professionals. These essential expenses can't be eliminated completely. Energy efficient habits help manage costs somewhat.
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Entertainment expenses vary dramatically based on personal preferences. Round Rock offers options from free outdoor activities to premium experiences. Your lifestyle choices directly impact this budget category.
Gym memberships cost $30 to $60 monthly at most facilities. Many apartment complexes include fitness centers in amenities. Budget gyms offer basic equipment at lower prices.
Streaming services accumulate quickly across platforms. Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and others total $50 to $80 monthly. Consider which services you actually use regularly.
Social activities including bars, concerts, and events cost $100 to $300 monthly. Round Rock has local venues while Austin offers more options. Weekend trips to Austin add transportation and parking costs.
Hobbies and personal interests add individualized expenses. Sports leagues cost $100 to $200 per season. Other activities like golf or climbing have associated costs.
Total entertainment budgets range from $200 to $500 monthly conservatively. Social young professionals often exceed these amounts. Balancing social life with financial goals requires conscious choices.
Pros and Cons of Living in Round Rock for Young Professionals
Understanding advantages and disadvantages helps set realistic expectations. Young professionals have different priorities than families. These factors affect your overall satisfaction living here.
Major Advantages for Young Professionals
Round Rock provides compelling benefits for career focused individuals. The job market remains strong with continued growth. Quality of life factors exceed many comparable locations.
The robust job market anchors Round Rock's appeal strongly. Dell Technologies employs thousands at its global headquarters. Tech positions span from entry level through senior engineering roles.
Healthcare facilities like St. David's and Baylor Scott & White hire extensively. Financial services companies continue expanding operations here. Clean energy businesses increasingly choose this area for growth.
Unemployment rates stay below national averages consistently. Job growth projections exceed most Texas cities regularly. The Austin metro area ranks among the nation's strongest employment markets.
Cost of living advantages versus Austin save substantial money monthly. Housing costs 20% to 30% less than downtown Austin. This difference adds up to thousands annually in savings.
The extra income buys higher quality of life overall. Larger apartments, nicer cars, or increased savings become possible. Financial stress decreases compared to expensive urban areas.
Safe neighborhoods provide peace of mind for residents. Crime rates stay well below national averages across categories. Young professionals feel secure living alone or with roommates.
Quality parks and recreation facilities support active lifestyles. Old Settlers Park spans 645 acres with extensive trails. The Kalahari Resort features America's largest indoor water park.
Proximity to Austin expands entertainment options exponentially. A 20 to 30 minute drive accesses the capital's culture. Live music, festivals, and nightlife remain easily reachable.
Significant Disadvantages to Consider
Round Rock presents real challenges affecting daily life for young professionals. Traffic congestion tops complaint lists regularly. Limited local nightlife disappoints some social individuals.
Heavy traffic on I-35 creates frustrating commutes to Austin. Rush hour stretches 20 minute drives into 45 to 60 minutes. Construction projects compound delays for coming years.
Working in downtown Austin while living in Round Rock requires patience. Morning southbound and evening northbound traffic backs up extensively. Remote work arrangements become highly valuable here.
Public transportation remains practically nonexistent throughout Round Rock. Capital Metro provides limited bus service to Austin. Personal vehicles become absolute necessities for mobility.
This car dependency increases overall living costs substantially. Young professionals can't rely on walking or transit. Uber and Lyft work but expenses accumulate quickly.
Round Rock lacks the vibrant nightlife found in Austin. Local bars and breweries exist but options stay limited. The "Keep Austin Weird" culture doesn't extend here fully.
Young professionals seeking constant social stimulation may feel bored. Weekend trips to Austin become necessary for many. The suburban atmosphere feels quiet compared to urban energy. Many suburbs throughout the area offer similar residential environments.
The rapidly growing suburban character doesn't appeal to everyone. Strip malls and chain restaurants dominate commercial areas. Independent local businesses exist but require searching out.
Walkability stays limited outside immediate neighborhoods. Running errands requires driving to different locations. Urban dwellers may find this lifestyle adjustment challenging.
Summer heat reaches extreme levels regularly from June through September. Temperatures exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit frequently. Outdoor activities shift to mornings and evenings necessarily.
Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals
Choosing the right neighborhood significantly impacts your experience here. Different areas cater to various lifestyles and budgets. Research options thoroughly before committing to leases when moving to Round Rock.
La Frontera Village
La Frontera Village offers a mixed use community perfect for young professionals. Modern apartments sit near shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. The area provides convenient walkability unusual for Round Rock.
Apartments here feature updated amenities and contemporary designs. Rent runs $1,200 to $1,700 for one bedroom units. Two bedrooms cost $1,600 to $2,200 monthly depending on specifics.
The location provides easy access to major employers nearby. Dell Technologies sits minutes away making commutes simple. Shopping and restaurants within walking distance reduce car dependency.
Young professionals appreciate the community atmosphere fostered here. Social events and nearby amenities encourage neighbor interactions. The area attracts similar demographics creating natural connections.
Teravista
Teravista appeals to young professionals seeking community amenities. This master planned development features pools, trails, and recreation facilities. Home ownership opportunities exist alongside some rental options.
The neighborhood sits conveniently near major employers including Dell. St. David's Medical Center also locates nearby. Commute times stay minimal for these workplaces specifically.
Golf courses and fitness centers serve active residents well. The community hosts regular events bringing neighbors together. Young professionals find social connections easier here.
Housing costs run higher reflecting premium amenities provided. Starter homes begin around $300,000 reaching $500,000 for larger properties. Rentals when available cost $1,400 to $2,000 monthly.
Downtown Round Rock
Downtown Round Rock provides the most urban feel available locally. Historic buildings house restaurants, bars, and local shops. Walkability exceeds other areas significantly within this district.
Apartments and condos offer housing options for young professionals. Rent ranges from $1,100 to $1,600 for one bedrooms. Older units cost less while renovated spaces command premiums.
Local breweries like 3rd Level and Pinthouse attract young crowds. Restaurants span casual to upscale across various cuisines. Live music and events happen regularly at different venues.
The atmosphere feels livelier than suburban sections significantly. Young professionals wanting community character prefer this area. However, nightlife still doesn't match Austin's offerings.
Cat Hollow
Cat Hollow represents newer suburban development attracting young professionals. Modern homes feature energy efficient construction and updated designs. The neighborhood appeals to first time buyers starting careers.
Community amenities include pools and recreation centers. Well maintained trails connect sections for walking and cycling. The area provides safe, clean environments throughout.
Proximity to major roads simplifies commuting to various employers. Shopping centers sit nearby for convenient errands. The location balances suburban living with accessibility.
Home prices start around $280,000 reaching $400,000 for larger properties. This affordability attracts young professionals building equity. Some rental properties exist when available through individual owners.
Affordable Options Worth Exploring
Young professionals on tighter budgets should explore affordable neighborhoods throughout the city. These areas provide solid value without premium price tags. Researching various options helps maximize housing budgets effectively when relocating on a budget.
Older apartment complexes away from premium areas offer better rates. Units from the 1990s and early 2000s cost less. They lack newest amenities but provide functional housing.
Roommate situations in nicer areas become affordable through splitting costs. Two young professionals sharing a $1,800 apartment pay just $900 each. This strategy accesses better locations and amenities.
Is Round Rock, Texas a Good Place to Live for Young Professionals
Answering whether Round Rock works for young professionals depends on priorities. Career opportunities and cost savings appeal to many. However, lifestyle preferences determine overall satisfaction significantly.
Young professionals prioritizing career growth find excellent opportunities here. The job market supports advancement across multiple industries. Salaries often stretch further than in expensive urban areas.
Those valuing financial stability appreciate lower living costs. Building savings, paying off debt, or investing becomes easier. The cost advantage versus Austin remains substantial monthly.
However, young professionals craving constant urban energy may feel limited. Nightlife and cultural events require Austin trips regularly. The suburban atmosphere feels quiet compared to city living.
Work life balance becomes achievable with reasonable commutes. Many major employers locate directly in Round Rock. Remote work options eliminate traffic frustrations entirely.
Social connections require more intentional effort than urban environments. Joining young professional groups helps build networks. The Round Rock Chamber runs specific YP programming for networking.
Active individuals appreciate abundant outdoor recreation options. Parks, trails, and sports facilities serve various interests. Year round weather enables consistent outdoor activity schedules.
For comprehensive perspectives on living in the Austin area, you can explore various options for young professionals to compare Round Rock against other neighborhoods. Research helps identify whether this suburb matches your specific preferences and priorities.
Making the Numbers Work
Living in Round Rock for young professionals cost requires strategic financial planning. Housing represents your largest controllable expense. Transportation and food follow as major budget categories.
Target a minimum $72,000 annual salary for comfortable living. This supports adequate housing, transportation, and discretionary spending. Lower salaries remain viable with roommates and careful budgeting.
Consider different neighborhood options matching your budget and lifestyle preferences. Visit areas multiple times before committing to leases. Understanding commute routes and local amenities proves essential.
Balance social spending with long term financial goals consciously. Entertainment and dining out accumulate quickly without attention. Setting specific monthly budgets helps maintain control over discretionary categories.
Some young professionals prefer areas with strong family orientations for long term stability. These neighborhoods often feature excellent schools and community programs even if you don't currently have children. The investment in such areas can prove wise for future planning.
Round Rock offers young professionals strong foundations for career growth. Lower costs enable financial stability while building professional experience. The proximity to Austin provides culture and entertainment when desired. Understanding both advantages and limitations helps you decide if this community matches your current life stage and priorities.
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