Moving from Abilene, TX to Round Rock, TX
Moving from Abilene, TX to Round Rock, TX covers 210 mi and about 4h 11m 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.
210 mi · 4h 11m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 84, US 183, US 83 |
| Major cities en route | Killeen, Austin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Round Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 90.364 in Abilene to 98.066 in Round Rock, a 8.5% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Round Rock: 8.5% above Abilene on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, 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 | Abilene | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 124,288 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $97,187 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 28.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.66 |
Median household income in Round Rock is 8.5% above Abilene ($62,720 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
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Round Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,187 in Round Rock vs $62,720 in Abilene — a 55.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Round Rock more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Round Rock is 8.5% higher than Abilene (98.066 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Abilene 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 210 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 Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,077 in Round Rock vs $210,016 in Abilene — a 93.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Round Rock, TX from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 210 mi and the route typically takes 4h 11m via US 84 and US 183. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Round Rock compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX · Round Rock, TX.