Round Rock Cost of Living: Your Complete 2025 Budget Guide

The Round Rock cost of living sits about 8% below the national average in 2025. This makes the growing Texas suburb a solid choice for families and working professionals. You get more bang for your buck here compared to many other metro areas.

Round Rock sits just north of Austin. You get small-town vibes mixed with big-city perks. The best part? You skip the crazy prices that come with living in Austin proper.

Knowing the actual Round Rock, Tx cost of living helps you plan better. You avoid those nasty financial surprises that pop up after moving. This guide covers all the major expenses you'll face as a Round Rock resident. We're talking housing, groceries, utilities, gas, and healthcare. All numbers come from actual 2025 data. You'll get a real picture of what it costs to live here.

Housing Costs in Round Rock

Housing eats up the biggest chunk of most people's monthly budget. Round Rock gives you better options than Austin without sacrificing much. The median asking rent hit $1,411 in September 2025 across the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro area.

The rental market actually got better for renters this past year. People now spend less of their income on rent compared to before. That extra breathing room makes a real difference in your monthly budget. More people can afford to live here now.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a useful rule. They say you're "cost-burdened" if housing and utilities eat more than 30% of your gross income. Try to stay under that number. It keeps money free for other bills and savings.

Renting vs. Buying Considerations

Renters in Round Rock pay less than people hunting for places in downtown Austin. One-bedroom apartments usually start around $1,100 per month. Two-bedroom units run between $1,400 and $1,800. Location and amenities affect the price.

New buildings near the Premium Outlets or downtown Round Rock cost more. Neighborhoods farther out offer better deals. You trade some convenience for lower rent.

Buying a home is different. The Round Rock cost of living advantage shows up in home prices too. Houses cost less here than in Austin. You still get great schools and job access. Many families buy instead of rent. They build equity while keeping payments steady each month.

Food and Grocery Expenses

Grocery costs in Round Rock follow both national trends and local conditions. What happens across the country affects what you pay at checkout. But local factors matter too.

National forecasts for 2025 show mixed results across food types. Sugar and sweets went up the most at 4.9% compared to 2024. Non-alcoholic beverages jumped 3.7%. These add up fast if you buy a lot of packaged foods and sodas.

Fresh vegetables brought good news though. Prices stayed stable through 2025. Round Rock sits close to Texas farming regions. That means fresher produce at better prices than cities far from farms.

Smart Shopping Strategies

Round Rock has plenty of grocery stores. You'll find H-E-B, Walmart, Target, and Costco here. Shopping around saves real money over time.

H-E-B usually wins on staples and fresh items. It's a Texas favorite for good reason. Warehouse clubs work great for bulk buys and household stuff. You just need storage space at home.

Here's what most people spend on groceries each month:

• Single person: $250 to $350
• Couples: $500 to $700
• Families with kids: $800 to $1,200

These numbers assume you cook at home most of the time. Eating out a lot will push costs way higher.

Restaurant meals add up quick. A casual spot costs $12 to $18 per person. Mid-range places run $25 to $40 per person. The Round Rock cost of living helps here too. Dining out costs about 10-15% less than similar restaurants in central Austin.

Utilities and Essential Services

Utilities hit your account every month like clockwork. How much you pay depends on home size and energy efficiency. Weather plays a big role too.

Texas summers mean running the AC constantly. Winters stay pretty mild though. This creates a predictable pattern through the year. You know when bills will spike.

Electric bills usually run $120 to $180 monthly for apartments or townhomes. Bigger single-family homes see $200 to $300 during peak summer. Texas lets you shop for electricity providers. You can find plans that match your usage and budget.

Water and sewer together cost $60 to $90 each month for typical use. The city manages these services with set rates. Using less water outdoors keeps you at the lower end.

Additional Monthly Services

Internet runs $50 to $100 monthly depending on speed. Round Rock has cable and fiber options. Competition between providers helps keep prices reasonable. Many people bundle internet with TV for discounts.

Trash pickup comes with most rentals. Homeowners pay about $20 to $30 per month through city services. Natural gas for heat and cooking adds $30 to $60 monthly. Winter months push that higher.

Add everything up and most households need $250 to $400 monthly for utilities. That's manageable and fits within normal affordability guidelines.

Transportation Expenses in Round Rock

Getting around costs vary a lot based on your situation. Most Round Rock residents drive their own cars. The area spreads out and public transit stays limited. You really need a vehicle for daily life.

Gas prices bounce around with national markets. Texas typically pays less than many states though. Budget $150 to $250 monthly for fuel if you commute daily. Working from home or shorter drives cost much less.

Car insurance hits every driver's budget. Texas requires minimum liability coverage. Most people carry fuller policies for better protection. Monthly premiums run $100 to $200 for drivers with clean records. Younger drivers and people with tickets or accidents pay more.

Vehicle Maintenance and Alternatives

Regular upkeep, repairs, and registration add to total car costs. Put aside $100 to $150 each month for these expenses. This prevents panic when you need new tires or major service.

Public transit options stay pretty limited here. Capital Metro runs some buses between Round Rock and Austin. Routes are sparse and schedules might not work for everyone. Monthly passes cost around $41. That saves money if it fits your needs.

Texas has no state income tax. This helps offset higher sales tax on purchases. That includes vehicles and gas. More of your paycheck stays with you each month.

Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Round Rock, Tx

Healthcare spending jumps all over depending on coverage and family size. Your health needs matter too. Most working residents get insurance through their employer. Family plans typically cost employees $200 to $400 monthly.

Individual plans bought through the marketplace or directly from insurers cost more. Monthly premiums range from $300 to $800. Age and coverage level affect the price. Subsidies help some people pay less.

Out-of-pocket costs pile on top of premiums. Copays, deductibles, and prescriptions add up. Budget at least $100 to $300 monthly if you have typical needs. Chronic conditions or ongoing treatment require much bigger allocations.

Round Rock sits near excellent medical facilities. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center and St. David's Round Rock Medical Center both serve the area. You get quality care without driving to Austin. That's convenient and potentially cheaper than downtown hospitals.

Building Your Complete Budget

Making an accurate monthly budget means adding up all major categories. Compare the total to what you actually earn. The Round Rock cost of living typically breaks down like this:

• Housing: 25-35% of take-home pay
• Transportation: 15-20%
• Food: 10-15%
• Utilities: 5-8%
• Healthcare and other essentials: remaining portion

A single person making $50,000 yearly brings home about $4,167 monthly. Here's how that might look:

• Housing: $1,200
• Transportation: $400
• Food: $350
• Utilities: $150
• Healthcare: $200
• Other expenses: $300
• Left for savings and extras: $1,567

Families need bigger budgets but share some costs. A household earning $85,000 annually gets about $7,083 monthly. Here's a sample breakdown:

• Housing: $1,800
• Transportation: $600
• Food: $900
• Utilities: $300
• Healthcare: $500
• Other essentials: $500
• Left for additional needs: $2,483

That 8% below-average cost saves real money compared to other metro areas. You can build emergency funds faster. Saving for a house becomes more realistic. Or you just live better without money stress.

Making Living in Round Rock Work for Your Budget

The cost of living in Round Rock, Texas offers real advantages for people planning a move. You get access to Austin's job market and culture without paying Austin prices. That difference matters when you're building financial stability.

Your actual spending depends on the choices you make. Pick housing farther from downtown and save hundreds monthly. Cook at home more and keep food costs under control. Shop electricity providers and cut utility bills. Small decisions add up to big savings over time.

The cost of living Round Rock, Tx creates opportunities many other metros can't match. You're not just surviving financially. You have room to save, invest, and enjoy life. That's what makes this Central Texas community attractive to so many families and professionals.

Planning matters more than anything else. Know your numbers before you move. Build a realistic budget using the ranges in this guide. Leave buffer room for unexpected costs. The cost of living in Round Rock, Tx stays manageable when you prepare properly.

Round Rock keeps growing for good reasons. The prices work. The location works. The community works. Understanding the actual costs helps you decide if this suburb fits your financial picture in 2025.