Gatesville, TX vs Rockdale, TX

Gatesville, TX and Rockdale, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.5% difference in their overall index. Gatesville scores 74 while Rockdale scores 76 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Gatesville is $920/month compared to $1,013/month in Rockdale — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Gatesville is more affordable at $162,000 median vs $164,300.

Median household income in Gatesville is $54,802 compared to $47,550 in Rockdale (+15.3%). Gatesville offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Gatesville spend roughly 20.1% of their income on rent, less than the 25.6% in Rockdale.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (67.1°F vs 69.4°F). Rockdale receives more rainfall at 41.8" per year compared to 36.4" in Gatesville.