Cedar Park is considered moderately expensive in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,950 and slightly higher grocery and property tax costs compared to the national average.
Is the true cost of living in Cedar Park higher than you think? As a growing suburb of Austin, Cedar Park offers a blend of newer homes, good schools, and access to jobs – but it comes at a price. Let’s break down what it really costs to live comfortably in this Central Texas city in 2025.
Housing Costs in Cedar Park
Housing is the biggest expense for most Cedar Park residents. The typical housing options include single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Prices vary based on neighborhood, age of the property, and amenities.
For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment in Cedar Park ranges from $1,800 to $2,200 per month, with an average around $1,950. Newer luxury complexes with pools and fitness centers are on the higher end.
Homebuyers can expect to pay between $450,000 to $700,000 for a 3-bedroom house, depending on the neighborhood. Homes in master-planned communities like Twin Creeks or Ranch at Brushy Creek tend to be pricier but offer amenities and highly-rated schools. Older homes in established areas may be more affordable.
- Typical rent for 2-bedroom apartment: $1,800 – $2,200
- Typical price for 3-bedroom house: $450,000 – $700,000
- HOA fees in planned communities: $50 – $200/month
Utilities and Energy Bills
Basic utilities in Cedar Park include electricity, water, gas, and trash service. Costs vary based on home size and usage, but a typical estimate for a 2-bedroom apartment is:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $120 – $180 |
| Water/Sewer/Trash | $60 – $100 |
| Natural Gas | $30 – $50 |
| Internet | $50 – $80 |
Keep in mind that electricity bills can spike in the summer due to high AC usage. Many homes also have separate irrigation water for lawns, which adds to costs.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
A single person in Cedar Park spends around $350 per month on groceries, while a family of four averages $1,100. This assumes a mix of cooking at home and occasional dining out.
Here’s what a typical grocery basket might cost:
- Gallon of milk: $3.50
- Loaf of bread: $2.75
- Dozen eggs: $3.00
- Pound of chicken breast: $4.50
Eating out can add up quickly. A basic meal at a casual restaurant runs about $12-15 per person, while a nicer dinner out can easily top $30-40 per person.
Taxes and Fees
Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes in Cedar Park are higher than the national average. The typical property tax rate is around 2.2% of assessed home value. For a $500,000 house, that’s $11,000 per year or $917 per month.
Sales tax in Cedar Park is 8.25%, which includes state, county and city taxes. Vehicle registration fees are also relatively high in Texas, averaging $70-90 per year depending on the vehicle type.
Summary Monthly Budget
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent or mortgage) | $1,400 | $1,950 | $2,800 |
| Utilities | $200 | $280 | $400 |
| Groceries & Dining Out | $500 | $800 | $1,300 |
| Transportation & Gas | $200 | $300 | $500 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Other (entertainment, shopping, etc) | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,000 | $4,530 | $6,800 |
Based on these estimates, a comfortable lifestyle in Cedar Park likely requires a gross monthly income (pre-tax) of at least $3,600 for a single person, $5,400 for a couple, and $8,200 for a family of four.
Lifestyle Considerations
While Cedar Park isn’t the cheapest Austin suburb, many residents find the tradeoffs worthwhile. Commute times to major employers are reasonable, with most parts of Cedar Park within a 30-45 minute drive of downtown Austin or major tech employers like Apple and Dell.
Homes in Cedar Park are generally newer and more spacious compared to central Austin. Many neighborhoods offer community pools, parks, trails and good public schools. The city also has ample shopping, dining and entertainment options.
However, achieving this lifestyle on a limited budget may require tradeoffs like choosing an older home, a longer commute, or fewer discretionary expenses. Consider whether a full-service mover or a DIY approach with moving pods makes the most financial sense for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live in Cedar Park?
To live comfortably, plan on needing a gross monthly income of at least $3,600 for a single person, $5,400 for a couple, or $8,200 for a family of four. However, it’s possible to live on less with a more frugal lifestyle.
How much are property taxes in Cedar Park?
The typical property tax rate in Cedar Park is about 2.2% of home value. For a $500,000 house, expect to pay around $11,000 per year or $917 per month.
Is Cedar Park cheaper than Austin?
Yes, housing costs in Cedar Park are generally 10-20% lower than in central Austin. However, Cedar Park is still more expensive than further-out suburbs like Leander or Buda.
What is the average electric bill in Cedar Park?
Electricity costs vary, but the average is $120-180 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment, with higher bills in the summer. Larger homes may pay $200+ monthly.
Are there ways to save money living in Cedar Park?
Look for homes in older neighborhoods, consider a longer commute, and be mindful of discretionary expenses like dining out and entertainment. Taking advantage of free community amenities like parks, trails and libraries can also help keep costs down.
What is the median household income in Cedar Park?
As of 2025, the median household income in Cedar Park is around $105,000 per year, or $8,750 per month. Keep in mind this is total household income, often with two earners.