Moving from Waco, TX to Round Rock, TX
Moving from Waco, TX to Round Rock, TX covers 85 mi and about 1h 41m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
85 mi · 1h 41m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Killeen, Austin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Round Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Round Rock is 6.0% higher than Waco, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Round Rock is 6.0% above Waco — $194,245 vs $407,077 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Round Rock -5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 124,288 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $97,187 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 28.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.66 |
Median household income in Round Rock is 6.0% above Waco ($51,468 vs $97,187, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Round Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
Is Round Rock more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Round Rock is 6.0% higher than Waco (98.066 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Round Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 85 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Round Rock compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,077 in Round Rock vs $194,245 in Waco — a 109.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Round Rock, TX from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 85 mi and the route typically takes 1h 41m via I 35. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Round Rock compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Round Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,187 in Round Rock vs $51,468 in Waco — a 88.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX · Round Rock, TX.