Kyle, TX vs. Round Rock, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Are you considering a move to the Austin, TX area and trying to decide between Kyle and Round Rock? This cost of living comparison will help you determine which growing suburb best fits your budget and lifestyle in 2025.
Let’s follow along with the Johnsons, a family of four debating between job offers in Kyle and Round Rock, as they crunch the numbers.
Housing Costs
“The biggest factor for us is housing,” says Liz Johnson. “My sister rents a 2-bedroom apartment in Kyle for around $1,400 per month, which seems reasonable.”
Her husband Mark chimes in, “I’ve been looking at 3-bedroom homes to buy in Round Rock though, and the prices are pretty steep – easily over $400,000.”
Here’s how typical housing costs compare between the two cities:
| Housing Type | Kyle | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,400 | $1,650 |
| 3BR Home (Median Price) | $350,000 | $425,000 |
🏆 Winner: Kyle offers more affordable housing options, both for renting and buying.
Utilities and Energy Costs
“I wonder how much we’d pay for utilities in each city, especially with the Texas summer heat,” Mark muses.
In both Kyle and Round Rock, expect to budget around $200-250 per month for electricity, water, and gas for a typical family home. Costs may spike higher in the summer months when AC usage soars.
🏆 Winner: It’s a tie – utility costs are comparable between Kyle and Round Rock.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
The Johnsons review average monthly expenses in Kyle and estimate they’d spend around $800-1000 per month on groceries, dining out occasionally, and basic goods.
“From what I can tell, everyday costs like food and gas look pretty similar between the two cities,” Liz notes. “No huge savings either way.”
🏆 Winner: Another toss-up. Expect similar daily living costs in Kyle and Round Rock.
Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are a key consideration for the Johnsons’ budget. The property tax rate in Kyle is around 2.2%, while Round Rock comes in slightly higher at 2.3%.
Both cities charge fairly standard service fees, though some neighborhoods in Round Rock have steeper HOA dues of $100+ per month.
🏆 Winner: Kyle squeaks out a win with marginally lower property taxes.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Kyle | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $1,950 | $2,350 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $900 | $900 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes (Property) | $650 | $800 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,725 | $5,225 |
*Estimated monthly costs based on a gross monthly income of $8,500. See a full cost of living breakdown for Kyle in 2025.
Lifestyle Fit
Beyond the hard costs, Liz and Mark weigh the lifestyle tradeoffs between the two cities. “Kyle has more of a small-town vibe,” Liz points out. “But Round Rock is closer to my office, so my commute would be shorter.”
Other factors to consider:
- Kyle has a quainter downtown with local shops and restaurants
- Round Rock offers more retail options and is closer to Austin
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kyle more affordable than Round Rock?
Yes, Kyle offers a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. Expect to pay 10-15% less on average in Kyle.
Which city has lower rent?
Rental prices are more reasonable in Kyle, with 1-2 bedroom apartments often priced $200-300 less per month compared to Round Rock.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Your homebuying budget will stretch further in Kyle. Median home prices are around $75,000 lower in Kyle than Round Rock for comparable properties.
The Verdict
For the budget-conscious, Kyle offers meaningful savings on major costs like housing and property taxes. However, Round Rock’s location closer to Austin and amenities may be worth the premium for some.
Ultimately, the Johnsons will have to balance their financial priorities with lifestyle preferences. “I think Kyle gives us more bang for our buck,” Mark reflects. “But we should get some moving quotes and crunch the numbers to be sure.”
Considering your own move to the Austin area? Start with a full cost of living review for Kyle to estimate your budget needs.