Renters looking beyond Austin for suburban comfort, plenty of amenities, and more affordable rents than in the capital city should consider Pflugerville ($1,776), Round Rock ($1,762), and Cedar Park ($1,650). As Austin’s median rent reaches $1,915 and continues to challenge budgets, these surrounding communities provide alternatives ranging from family-friendly suburbs with top-rated schools to Hill Country charm with outdoor recreation, all within a 20-30 minute commute to Austin’s booming tech and government job centers.
Whether you’re seeking lower rent, more space, excellent schools, or access to nature, the cities surrounding Austin deliver viable alternatives without sacrificing access to the metro’s career opportunities and cultural attractions.
Cities Near Austin: Quick Comparison
These seven cities near Austin offer diverse options for renters at different price points and lifestyle priorities. All median rents reflect November 2025 data from Zumper’s internal analysis across all bedroom counts and rental unit types (studios, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms, houses, condos, apartments) over a 30-day period to provide the most accurate neighborhood-level pricing.
| City | Median Rent | Distance | Commute Options | Best For |
| Pflugerville | $1,776 | 18 mi NE | I-35, SH-130 toll | Families, affordability with convenience |
| Round Rock | $1,762 | 17 mi N | I-35, SH-45 toll | Young families, Dell employees |
| Bee Cave | $2,116 | 9 mi W | TX-71, Loop 360 | Hill Country lifestyle, outdoor access |
| Buda | $1,895 | 16 mi S | I-35 | Small-town feel, growth momentum |
| Manor | $1,692 | 15 mi NE | US-290, SH-130 toll | Maximum affordability, Samsung proximity |
| Dripping Springs | $2,225 | 19 mi W | US-290, TX-71 | Hill Country living, wineries, space |
| Cedar Park | $1,650 | 15 mi NW | US-183, TX-45 toll | Family-friendly, entertainment venues |
Why Consider Living Near Austin?
The Austin metro area’s population has surged past 2.3 million, creating intense rental demand that pushes many renters to consider nearby cities. Austin’s median household income for renters is approximately $65,000-75,000, yet the city’s rental costs increasingly strain typical budgets. While Austin’s rental market varies widely by neighborhood, the overall market trends significantly higher than the national median of approximately $1,400-1,500 reported in the Joint Center for Housing Studies’ The State of the Nation’s Housing 2024 report, making surrounding cities an essential consideration for budget-conscious renters.
Using the 30% budgeting guideline—rent should not exceed 30% of someone’s pre-tax monthly income—an Austin renter would need approximately $78,000-90,000 annually to comfortably afford typical Austin rents. By contrast, cities like Cedar Park ($1,650), Manor ($1,692), and Round Rock ($1,762) bring that requirement down to $66,000-70,800 annually, making the metro area accessible to moderate-income earners. For a more personalized look at what you could afford in Austin or beyond, check out Zumper’s rent calculator.
Main Reasons Renters Look Beyond Austin:
- Affordability: Cedar Park ($1,650) and Manor ($1,692) offer $ 100–$300+ in monthly savings versus Austin proper.
- More space: Suburban cities typically provide larger apartments, townhomes, and single-family rentals with yards.
- Family amenities: Highly-rated school districts in Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville attract families.
- Parking included: Free parking is standard versus Austin’s $50-150+ monthly parking fees.
- Different pace: Quieter suburban environments with Hill Country access in Bee Cave and Dripping Springs.
Trade-offs: Living outside Austin means 20-40 minute commutes during peak hours, though toll roads (SH-130, TX-45) can reduce travel time. You’ll have fewer immediate walkable entertainment options compared to Austin’s downtown and East Side, though Austin’s attractions remain accessible for weekend visits.
Cities Near Austin for Renters
1. Pflugerville — $1,776/month
Pflugerville offers suburban family living 18 miles northeast of Austin with excellent value at $1,776 median rent. This rapidly growing city of 65,000 has become known for its highly-rated Pflugerville Independent School District, numerous parks including Lake Pflugerville with its sandy beach, and the vibrant Pfall Festival celebrating German heritage. The city’s convenient location between I-35 and the SH-130 toll road provides commute flexibility: I-35 reaches downtown Austin in 25-30 minutes (longer during rush hour), while SH-130 offers a faster toll alternative.
Best for: Young families prioritizing good schools and parks; renters seeking Austin access without Austin prices.
2. Round Rock — $1,762/month
At $1,762 median rent, Round Rock delivers family-friendly suburban living 17 miles north. This city of 124,000 has evolved from a quiet suburb to a dynamic community anchored by Dell Technologies’ headquarters, minor league baseball at Dell Diamond, and major shopping, including IKEA and Premium Outlets. Round Rock ISD consistently ranks among Texas’s top school districts, attracting families willing to commute for educational quality. I-35 provides direct access to Austin, while TX-45 offers alternative routes. The median household income of $97,187 reflects the city’s strong job market and professional population.
Best for: Dell employees; families prioritizing top-rated schools; young professionals wanting suburban comfort with urban access.
3. Bee Cave — $2,116/month
Bee Cave offers Hill Country luxury 9 miles west, with a $2,116 median rent—higher than some alternatives but delivering an exceptional Hill Country lifestyle. This affluent city of 8,800 sits in the scenic Texas Hill Country with immediate access to outdoor recreation, upscale shopping at The Hill Country Galleria, and proximity to Lake Travis.
The community attracts professionals and families seeking space, nature, and higher-end amenities while staying close to Austin via TX-71 and Loop 360. The city’s affluent character is reflected in the median household income of $113,157.
Best for: Professionals and families who prioritize a Hill Country setting, outdoor recreation, and upscale suburban amenities over maximum affordability.
4. Buda — $1,895/month
Sixteen miles south, Buda has small-town charm and plenty of recent growth, making it great for any renter who doesn’t want to forgo newer amenities for a quieter suburban life. Rents here hover around $1,895 a month. This city of 15,500 has preserved its historic downtown along Main Street while experiencing rapid residential development, creating an appealing mix of established character and new amenities.
The location on I-35 south provides reverse commutes for renters working in South Austin or San Marcos, with travel times of 20-25 minutes to central Austin. Recent development has added shopping, dining, and entertainment while maintaining the relaxed pace that originally attracted residents.
Best for: Renters seeking a small-town atmosphere with modern living; those working in South Austin or willing to embrace a growing community.
5. Manor — $1,692/month
Manor offers excellent affordability, 15 miles northeast, with a median rent of $1,692—one of the lowest costs near Austin. This city of 16,900 has experienced significant growth due to Samsung’s nearby semiconductor facility, transforming what was a small farming community into a growing suburb.
US-290 and the SH-130 toll road offer commute options, with typical travel times to Austin of 25-35 minutes, depending on route and traffic. The median household income of $86,477 reflects the area’s working and middle-class character, making it accessible for moderate earners.
Best for: Budget-conscious renters; Samsung employees; those prioritizing affordability while maintaining reasonable access to Austin.
6. Dripping Springs — $2,225/month
Dripping Springs offers authentic Hill Country living 19 miles west, with a $2,225 median rent—the highest on this list but reflective of its unique character. Known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country,” this town of 6,300 attracts residents seeking a rural atmosphere, rolling hills, local wineries and breweries, and a genuine small-town community.
US-290 and TX-71 provide Austin access in 30-40 minutes, though residents typically embrace the distance as part of the appeal. The trade-off for higher rent is space, scenery, and a completely different pace from urban Austin.
Best for: Remote workers; outdoor enthusiasts; renters prioritizing Hill Country lifestyle and space over proximity and nightlife.
7. Cedar Park — $1,650/month
At a median rent of $1,650—the lowest in this comparison—Cedar Park offers the best value among Austin’s northern suburbs. This city of 77,500 has developed a strong identity through the H-E-B Center, the Lakeline Mall, and numerous parks and trails.
Cedar Park ISD attracts families, while the city’s location along US-183 and near TX-45 toll road provides multiple commute options, typically 25-35 minutes to central Austin. The combination of affordability, amenities, and a family-focused approach has driven steady growth.
Best for: Families seeking affordability with good schools and access to entertainment; renters wanting maximum value while staying connected to Austin.
How to Choose the Right City Near Austin
Define your budget: Cedar Park ($1,650) and Manor ($1,692) offer maximum affordability. Use the 30% budgeting guideline to determine which cities fit comfortably within your income. For example, Cedar Park’s $1,650 rent requires an annual income of approximately $66,000, while Dripping Springs’ $2,225 median rent requires an annual income of approximately $89,000.
Prioritize your commute: For downtown Austin or University of Texas jobs, northern cities like Round Rock and Cedar Park offer the most direct access to I-35. For South Austin or airport proximity, consider Buda. Tech workers at Samsung should explore Manor. Remote workers have full flexibility for Hill Country options like Dripping Springs and Bee Cave.
Consider family priorities: If schools drive your decision, Round Rock ISD, Cedar Park ISD, and Pflugerville ISD all rank highly. Round Rock and Cedar Park offer the most developed family infrastructure with parks, sports leagues, and community programming.
Evaluate lifestyle preferences: Want Hill Country access and outdoor recreation? Bee Cave and Dripping Springs deliver. Prefer suburban convenience with shopping and entertainment? Round Rock and Cedar Park excel. Seeking a small-town atmosphere? Buda maintains that character despite growth.
Factor in toll road access: Cities with SH-130 or TX-45 toll road access (Pflugerville, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Manor) offer faster commutes for those willing to pay tolls—often worth it for daily commuters.
Think long-term: Consider cities with development momentum like Pflugerville, Manor (Samsung impact), and Buda if you value growing amenities and potential appreciation. For established suburban infrastructure, Round Rock and Cedar Park offer maturity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest city near Austin?
At an average rent of $1,650 per month, Cedar Park is the cheapest city near Austin, followed closely by Manor at $1,692. Both offer significant savings compared to Austin proper while maintaining reasonable 25-35 minute commutes. Cedar Park provides more developed suburban amenities and entertainment options, while Manor offers proximity to Samsung’s semiconductor facility.
Which cities near Austin have the best schools?
Round Rock ISD, Cedar Park ISD, and Pflugerville ISD consistently rank among Texas’s top school districts. Round Rock particularly stands out for academic performance and extracurricular programs, making it extremely popular with families willing to commute for educational quality.
What are the best cities near Austin for families?
Round Rock and Cedar Park excel for families, offering highly-rated school districts, extensive parks and recreation programs, family entertainment venues, and safe suburban environments. Pflugerville also appeals with good schools and a community atmosphere at slightly lower cost.
How long is the commute from these cities to Austin?
Commute times vary by destination and route. Northern suburbs (Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville) typically see commutes of 25-35 minutes to central Austin via I-35 or toll roads. Manor offers 25-35 minutes via US-290 or SH-130. Buda provides 20-30 minutes from South Austin. Hill Country cities (Bee Cave, Dripping Springs) require 30-40 minutes.
Are cities near Austin more affordable than Austin itself?
Yes, most are more affordable than Austin’s median rent of $[AUSTIN MEDIAN]. Cedar Park ($1,650) and Manor ($1,692) offer the best value, while Round Rock ($1,762) and Pflugerville ($1,776) provide moderate savings. However, Hill Country cities like Bee Cave ($2,116) and Dripping Springs ($2,225) may cost similar to or more than some Austin neighborhoods, with value coming from space and lifestyle rather than pure cost savings.
Which city near Austin is best for young professionals?
Round Rock appeals to young professionals working at Dell or in North Austin, offering urban-adjacent suburban living with entertainment and dining options. Cedar Park works for those prioritizing affordability while staying connected. Pflugerville attracts young families starting out. Hill Country cities suit remote workers.
Can you live car-free in cities near Austin?
No, all cities near Austin require cars for practical daily living. Unlike Austin’s limited but functional public transit, these suburban cities lack comprehensive transit systems. However, this car-dependent lifestyle is standard for the area and factored into the overall suburban value proposition.
What city near Austin has the best outdoor recreation?
Bee Cave and Dripping Springs lead for outdoor access, both situated in the scenic Hill Country with immediate access to hiking, biking, Lake Travis, and natural areas. Cedar Park and Pflugerville offer extensive park systems and trails within developed suburban settings. Round Rock provides good parks but less dramatic natural scenery.
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