Cedar Park, TX vs. Round Rock, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families, the Garcias and the Patels, who both earn a gross monthly income of $6,500. The Garcias rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Cedar Park for $1,650, while the Patels pay $1,800 for a similar place in Round Rock. When the families get together for a BBQ, they compare receipts and realize the Garcias spent about $600 on groceries that month in Cedar Park, but the Patels paid closer to $650 in Round Rock.
This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Cedar Park and Round Rock. It is perfect for families relocating to the Austin area, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real cost of living in these two popular suburbs in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare:
| Housing Type | Cedar Park | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,650 | $1,800 |
| 3BR Home (Median Price) | $450,000 | $475,000 |
🏆 Winner: Cedar Park. Rent and home prices tend to be 5-10% lower in Cedar Park compared to Round Rock.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Both cities have similar climates, so utility costs are comparable. The average household in Cedar Park pays around $180 per month for electricity, water, and gas. In Round Rock, the same utilities average $190 monthly.
🏆 Winner: Cedar Park, but only by a slight margin. Utility costs are nearly identical in these neighboring cities.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Expect to spend around $600-650 per month on groceries for a family of four in Cedar Park. In Round Rock, that same grocery bill might be $650-700. Dining out and everyday purchases like gas and childcare also tend to be 5% cheaper in Cedar Park.
🏆 Winner: Cedar Park. While the difference isn’t huge, Cedar Park does offer some savings on food and daily expenses.
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have comparable property tax rates around 2.2%. However, Cedar Park has slightly lower city service fees and HOA dues tend to be about 10% less than in Round Rock.
🏆 Winner: Cedar Park. Lower fees can add up to hundreds in savings per year.
Cost Summary
| Category | Cedar Park | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $2,500 | $2,650 |
| Utilities | $180 | $190 |
| Groceries | $600 | $650 |
| Transportation | $500 | $525 |
| Taxes & Fees | $800 | $850 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $425 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,980 | $5,290 |
Lifestyle Fit
While Cedar Park is more affordable overall, Round Rock offers a bit more space and slightly better walkability. Both are family-friendly with great schools and safe neighborhoods. Cedar Park is about 5°F cooler than Round Rock in the peak of summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cedar Park more affordable than Round Rock?
A: Yes, the cost of living in Cedar Park is about 5-10% lower across most categories, including housing, food, and taxes.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Cedar Park. On average, renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs $150 less per month compared to Round Rock.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Cedar Park has a lower median home price. Buying a 3-bedroom house costs about $25,000 less in Cedar Park than Round Rock.
Conclusion
Overall, Cedar Park comes out ahead as the more affordable place to live. It’s ideal for families and professionals who prioritize saving on housing and daily expenses. However, Round Rock can still be a great fit for those who value a bit more space and don’t mind a slightly higher cost of living.
To dive deeper into budgeting for Cedar Park, check out our guide on how much it costs to live there each month. If you’re considering a move, our Best Moving Companies Guide can help you find reliable movers to get you settled in your new Austin suburb.