Kent vs Round Rock
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Kent
Round Rock
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 35.6%, with Round Rock being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Kent has equivalent purchasing power to $55,292 in Round Rock.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Kent has the same purchasing power as $55,292 in Round Rock.
Conversely, $75,000 in Round Rock equals $101,733 in Kent.
Living in Kent vs Round Rock
Housing Costs
Kent's housing index of 195 is higher Round Rock's 92, translating to median home prices of $595,000 vs $413,000. The $182,000 difference in home prices means roughly $11,832 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,750/mo in Kent compared to $1,400/mo in Round Rock, a monthly difference of $350.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 109 in Kent and 96 in Round Rock. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $518/month in Kent vs $456/month in Round Rock. Round Rock offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $744/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 92 in Kent and 109 in Round Rock. Monthly utility bills average approximately $368 in Kent vs $436 in Round Rock. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 122 in Kent and 96 in Round Rock. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 26-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $98,300 in Kent and $100,500 in Round Rock. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $71,752 and $99,505 respectively. Round Rock residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $2,294/month to housing in Kent vs $2,345/month in Round Rock. In Kent, median rent of $1,750/mo fits within this budget. In Round Rock, median rent of $1,400/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 103 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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