Round Rock vs Georgetown, TX: Comparing Costs, Lifestyle, and Opportunities

The Round Rock vs Georgetown, TX decision puzzles many people relocating to Central Texas. Both Williamson County cities offer alternatives to expensive Austin living. However, they deliver distinctly different experiences despite sitting just 15 miles apart.

Understanding these differences helps you choose the right community. Your lifestyle preferences, career priorities, and budget all influence which city fits better. This comprehensive comparison examines key factors affecting your daily life.

Understanding the Basic Differences

Round Rock and Georgetown share Williamson County but differ fundamentally in character. Round Rock operates as a bustling suburban city with modern energy. Georgetown maintains small-town charm emphasizing historic preservation and slower pace.

Population density creates the most obvious distinction between them. Round Rock's 126,697 residents create a more urban atmosphere. Georgetown's 86,507 residents allow more spacious, spread-out living.

Both cities sit north of Austin providing access to the capital. Round Rock positions 20 miles from downtown Austin via Interstate 35. Georgetown sits 30 miles north requiring additional commute time.

Round Rock draws young professionals, growing families, and tech workers. Georgetown appeals to retirees, remote workers, and those seeking tranquility. These population characteristics shape community culture and available amenities.

Round Rock vs Georgetown Costs Comparison

Analyzing Round Rock vs Georgetown costs reveals important financial distinctions. Overall affordability favors Georgetown slightly across most categories. However, specific expenses vary creating advantages for each city.

Overall Cost of Living

Georgetown's overall cost of living falls 10% below national averages. Round Rock sits 8% below national norms remaining affordable. The difference might seem minor but accumulates substantially over time.

Both cities significantly undercut Austin's living costs by substantial margins. The cost advantage versus Austin exceeds 15% to 20% typically.

Housing Cost Breakdown

Housing represents where cost differences appear most dramatically. Georgetown's median home value sits at $406,300 currently. Round Rock's median climbs to approximately $440,000 for comparable properties.

This $33,700 difference translates to roughly $200 monthly in mortgage payments. The housing cost advantage clearly favors Georgetown for buyers.

However, rental markets show surprising reversals in the comparison. Georgetown's average rent reaches $1,637 monthly for typical apartments. Round Rock's average rent sits at $1,514 representing real savings.

This rental paradox surprises many people comparing the cities. Round Rock's larger rental market creates more competition and options. Understanding the full cost of living in Round Rock helps contextualize these differences.

Utility and Transportation Expenses

Utility costs favor Georgetown running 4% below national averages. Round Rock utilities sit 9% higher than national norms. Electricity represents the biggest difference between the cities.

Transportation costs show Round Rock's significant advantage clearly. Round Rock sits 20% below national transportation averages overall. Georgetown runs just 10% below average comparatively.

Round Rock's superior highway access reduces driving time and fuel costs. The shorter Austin commute saves substantially for daily commuters.

Grocery and Healthcare Costs

Grocery costs drop slightly more in Georgetown at 18% below average. Round Rock sits at 15% below national grocery norms. Both cities offer affordable food shopping comparatively.

Healthcare costs actually favor Round Rock surprisingly in the comparison. Round Rock healthcare averages 8% below national costs overall. Georgetown healthcare runs 1% higher than national averages.

Doctor visits cost $126.82 in Round Rock versus $138.50 in Georgetown. However, both cities provide 119 physicians per 100,000 residents equally.

Job Market and Career Opportunities

Employment prospects differ dramatically between these neighboring cities. Round Rock clearly dominates for career-focused professionals seeking advancement. Georgetown works better for remote workers and retirees.

Round Rock's Robust Job Market

Round Rock operates as a major employment hub independently. Dell Technologies maintains its global headquarters here employing thousands. Other major employers include Emerson Automation Solutions and TECO-Westinghouse.

Round Rock's unemployment rate measures just 3.4% indicating strong demand. The median household income reaches $91,888 in Round Rock. This exceeds Georgetown's $87,465 by over $4,400 annually. Understanding the average salary in Round Rock provides additional context.

Proximity to Austin amplifies Round Rock's employment advantages substantially. The 20-minute commute accesses one of America's strongest job markets. Google, Apple, IBM, and countless startups hire actively in Austin.

Georgetown's Local Economy

Georgetown's job market centers on healthcare, education, and retail. St. David's Georgetown Hospital employs many local residents. However, corporate headquarters and major employers stay limited here.



Georgetown's unemployment rate sits at 4.5% remaining reasonable. The city works excellently for remote workers and retirees. The peaceful atmosphere suits those not dependent on local employment.

Education and Schools Comparison

School quality heavily influences family relocation decisions between cities. Round Rock clearly outperforms Georgetown in educational offerings.

Round Rock ISD Excellence

Round Rock Independent School District ranks among Texas's best systems. The district rating exceeds 81.3% of all Texas school districts. Specific schools like Round Rock High School receive top marks.

The district serves over 50,000 students across numerous campuses. Teachers receive competitive compensation attracting quality educators. Families often prioritize family-friendly neighborhoods with access to these schools.

Georgetown ISD Performance

Georgetown ISD operates solid schools but performance varies more. The district rating exceeds only 32.4% of Texas school districts. Specific schools like Georgetown High School perform well individually.

Parents researching Georgetown must evaluate individual school zones carefully. The right neighborhood provides excellent education while others disappoint.

Lifestyle and Community Character

The lifestyle differences between these cities prove as significant as financial factors. Your personality and preferences determine which community feels like home.

Round Rock's Energetic Suburban Life

Round Rock moves at a faster pace with noticeable suburban energy. Shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues abound throughout. The Round Rock Premium Outlets attract shoppers from across Central Texas.

Over 200 dining establishments serve diverse cuisines and preferences. The Dell Diamond baseball stadium hosts the Round Rock Express. Kalahari Resort features America's largest indoor water park nearby.

Old Settlers Park spans 645 acres with extensive sports facilities. The atmosphere feels livelier and more transient than Georgetown. When moving to Round Rock, these lifestyle factors shape daily experiences.

Georgetown's Historic Small-Town Charm

Georgetown maintains a distinctly slower pace emphasizing tranquility. The historic downtown square anchors community life beautifully. Residents describe the atmosphere as feeling like a Hallmark movie.

Natural beauty surrounds Georgetown providing abundant outdoor recreation. Lake Georgetown spans 1,310 acres for boating and fishing. Blue Hole Park remains a beloved swimming spot for locals.

The downtown square hosts farmers markets and seasonal celebrations. Properties typically feature larger lots providing more space and privacy.

Crime and Safety Considerations

Both cities maintain safe environments compared to national averages. However, noticeable differences exist affecting your sense of security.

Georgetown experiences slightly lower crime rates across categories. Violent crime measures 1.54 per 1,000 residents annually versus Round Rock's 1.70. Property crime in Georgetown sits at 12.18 per 1,000 residents compared to Round Rock's 23.24.

The smaller population and lower density contribute to Georgetown's reduced crime. For those prioritizing security, exploring safe neighborhoods becomes essential.



Round Rock maintains safe streets despite slightly higher crime statistics. Both cities invest heavily in law enforcement and community policing. Residents in either location should feel secure in their choices.