Median rent is 50% lower in Austin ($860/mo vs $1,713/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $155,100 versus $383,700. Households earn more in Round Rock ($97,187 vs $66,488 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (98.8).
City A
Austin, MN
City B
Round Rock, TX
How much would you need to earn in Round Rock, TX to maintain your standard of living from Austin, MN?
Equivalent salary in Round Rock, TX
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Minnesota
Round Rock
Texas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Austin — median rent of $860/mo versus $1,713/mo in Round Rock, a 50% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Round Rock: the median home is $383,700 versus $155,100 in Austin — 60% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Minnesota tops out at 9.85% — giving Round Rock a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.88% in Minnesota and 6.25% in Texas; Round Rock has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: 9.85%
Sales tax: 6.88%
Round Rock
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Round Rock if you prioritize higher median household income ($97,187/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($860/mo median).
Pick Round Rock if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Round Rock?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Round Rock?
Median rent is $860/mo in Austin, MN and $1,713/mo in Round Rock, TX. Austin, MN has the lower rent by about 50%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Round Rock?
Median household income is $66,488 in Austin, MN and $97,187 in Round Rock, TX. Round Rock, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Round Rock?
Texas has no state income tax. Minnesota has a top rate of 9.85%.
What salary do I need in Round Rock to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, MN is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Round Rock, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology