Housing Costs in Round Rock
Housing is typically the largest expense in a monthly budget. In Round Rock, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $1,650 per month as of 2025. For those looking to purchase a home, a typical mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $2,100 to $2,600 per month.
It’s important to note that many newer neighborhoods in Round Rock have Homeowners Associations (HOAs). While not mandatory everywhere, HOA fees can add $200 to $400 per month on top of a mortgage. Older and more established areas of Round Rock are less likely to have HOAs.
For comparison, here is a table of common housing costs in Round Rock:
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,650 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $2,100 – $2,600 |
| HOA Fees | $200 – $400 |
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Round Rock are on par with the national average. Residents can expect to pay around $150 per month for electricity for a 1,000 square foot apartment. Gas bills average $40 per month, while water and trash services typically total $60 per month combined.
It’s worth noting that electric bills tend to spike in the summer months due to the cost of air conditioning in the Texas heat. Budget an extra $50 to $80 per month from June through September. The table below shows estimated monthly utility costs:
| Utility | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $150 ($200-$230 summer) |
| Gas | $40 |
| Water + Trash | $60 |
| Total | $250 ($300-$330 summer) |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries in Round Rock cost about $350 per month for a single adult and $800 per month for a family of four. This assumes cooking most meals at home. Dining out can easily add $200 to $600 per month to a food budget, depending on frequency and restaurant choices.
Household items like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and paper goods average $50 to $80 per month. For a typical grocery basket, expect to pay:
- Gallon of milk: $3.50
- Loaf of bread: $2.80
- Dozen eggs: $2.20
- Pound of chicken breast: $3.40
Taxes and Fees
Round Rock has a property tax rate of 0.439%. For a home valued at $350,000, annual property taxes would be $1,540. Vehicle registration fees in Texas are $50.75 per year on average.
Sales tax in Round Rock is 8.25%, which includes the 6.25% Texas state sales tax plus an additional 2% for the city of Round Rock. This sales tax applies to most goods and services, with the exception of groceries and prescription medications.
Monthly Cost of Living Summary
So what does it really cost to live comfortably in Round Rock? Here is a sample monthly budget breakdown for three common scenarios, based on gross (pre-tax) income:
| Expense | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,650 | $2,100 | $2,600 |
| Utilities | $250 | $325 | $450 |
| Groceries | $350 | $600 | $800 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Lifestyle | $400 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Total Monthly Budget | $2,850 | $4,125 | $5,450 |
| Gross Annual Income Required | $41,000 | $59,000 | $78,000 |
Lifestyle Considerations
Round Rock offers a high quality of life for its cost of living. The city has an average commute time of just 26 minutes, thanks to its proximity to major employers like Dell, IBM, and Samsung. Round Rock also boasts over 1,000 acres of parkland, with hiking trails, sports fields, and swimming holes.
Homes in Round Rock tend to be newer and more spacious compared to nearby Austin. The tradeoff is a slightly longer commute for those who work downtown. But for families seeking affordable homes with yards in a safe suburb, Round Rock is hard to beat.
Residents enjoy a historic downtown, minor league baseball, and the Round Rock Premium Outlets mall. The city is known for its high-quality schools and was even named one of the coolest suburbs in America by Apartment Therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What salary do you need to live in Round Rock?
To live comfortably in Round Rock, a single person needs a gross (pre-tax) income of at least $41,000 per year. A couple would need around $59,000, and a family of four would require $78,000 or more. -
Is Round Rock cheaper than Austin?
Yes, the cost of living in Round Rock is about 10% lower than in Austin. Housing costs are the biggest factor, with Round Rock offering more affordable homes and apartments. -
Are property taxes high in Round Rock?
Round Rock has a property tax rate of 0.439%, which is slightly lower than the national average. However, Texas has some of the highest property taxes in the country overall. -
What is the average electric bill in Round Rock?
The average electric bill in Round Rock is $150 per month for a 1,000 square foot apartment. Bills can increase to $200 or more in the summer months due to air conditioning costs. -
Is Round Rock a good place to raise a family?
Round Rock is an excellent place for families, with highly-rated schools, abundant parks and recreation, safe neighborhoods, and a reasonable cost of living compared to nearby cities.