Median rent is 9% lower in Round Rock ($1,713/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Round Rock, where the median home runs $383,700 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Round Rock ($97,187 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Round Rock is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 113.3 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Round Rock, TX.
Quick verdict
Round Rock is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Round Rock vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Round Rock, TX
How much would you need to earn in Round Rock, TX to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Round Rock, TX
$65,404
You could earn $9,596 less (13% lower) and break even.
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
Los Angeles
California
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Round Rock at $1,713/mo compared to $1,879/mo in Los Angeles (9% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $383,700 in Round Rock — 56% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Round Rock a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.25% in Texas; Round Rock has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Round Rock
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Round Rock.
Pick Round Rock if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 113.3).
Pick Round Rock if you prioritize higher median household income ($97,187/yr).
Pick Round Rock if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Round Rock?
Round Rock is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Round Rock.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Round Rock?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,713/mo in Round Rock, TX. Round Rock, TX has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Round Rock?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA 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 — Los Angeles or Round Rock?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Round Rock to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $87,205 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