💸 Cost of Living Comparison: Round Rock or Pflugerville vs. Austin

Which Central Texas City Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?

Thinking about moving to the Austin area but unsure whether to live in the city or nearby suburbs like Round Rock or Pflugerville? You're not alone. As Austin continues to grow (and get more expensive), many homebuyers and renters are exploring more affordable alternatives that still offer great amenities, schools, and quality of life.

Here’s a side-by-side look at how Round Rock and Pflugerville stack up against Austin when it comes to cost of living.

🏡 Housing Costs: The Biggest Difference

Housing is where you’ll see the most noticeable cost difference between these cities.

• Austin: The median home price in Austin remains one of the highest in Texas. As of 2025, buyers can expect to pay upwards of $550,000 for a median-priced home, with rentals averaging $1,800–$2,500/month, depending on location and size.

• Round Rock: Just 20 miles north, Round Rock offers significant savings. The median home price is around $425,000, and rental prices hover between $1,600–$2,000/month.

• Pflugerville: Located northeast of Austin, Pflugerville is growing fast—but still more affordable than Austin. The median home price is roughly $410,000, with rentals ranging from $1,500–$1,900/month.

💡 Pro Tip: You’ll get more square footage, newer homes, and larger lots in Round Rock or Pflugerville for the same—or less—than you'd pay in Austin.

🛒 Everyday Expenses: Slight Savings in the Suburbs

When it comes to groceries, utilities, and transportation, the difference isn’t as dramatic—but it still adds up over time.

ExpenseAustinRound RockPflugervilleGroceriesHighSlightly lowerSlightly lowerUtilitiesAvg. $175/moAvg. $160/moAvg. $160/moGas & CommuteHigher due to trafficLower, but longer commuteLower, moderate commute

Both Round Rock and Pflugerville offer a slower pace, less traffic congestion, and fewer downtown parking hassles.

🏫 Schools and Family-Friendliness

If you have kids, schools matter—and both suburbs shine in this area.

• Round Rock ISD is consistently rated among the top districts in Texas.

• Pflugerville ISD offers a strong selection of schools and growing resources for families.

• Austin ISD has some excellent schools, but also wide performance variation depending on the neighborhood.

🎒 Verdict: Suburbs often offer more consistency in school quality—plus family-friendly neighborhoods, parks, and community events.

🎉 Lifestyle, Dining & Entertainment

Austin offers unbeatable nightlife, live music, and a vibrant cultural scene. But suburban cities are catching up:

• Round Rock boasts family-friendly entertainment, shopping (like IKEA and the Round Rock Premium Outlets), and the Dell Diamond.

• Pflugerville is growing rapidly with new restaurants, parks, and community amenities like Lake Pflugerville.

• Austin, of course, is the cultural hub—but suburban residents often enjoy short trips downtown without the price tag of living there.

💬 So, Which Is Right for You?

It all comes down to lifestyle and priorities.

• Choose Austin if you want to be in the heart of the action and can afford the higher price tag.

• Choose Round Rock or Pflugerville if you value more space, lower housing costs, strong schools, and a quieter pace—while still staying close to Austin.

✅ Final Thoughts

If you're looking to stretch your dollar without sacrificing quality of life, Round Rock and Pflugerville are excellent options. You'll enjoy many of Austin’s perks—just with more space, more savings, and less stress.

Ready to explore homes in these areas? Let’s chat! I’ll help you find the perfect fit based on your budget and lifestyle goals. 🏡