Rowlett vs Sachse: which is better to live in?
Rowlett gets B- overall and Sachse gets A. Sachse comes out ahead on our index, though keep in mind each is graded against Texas places of its own size.
Rowlett wins on cost of living, jobs and income and internet access. Sachse wins on schools, safety, errands and things to do, getting around and education levels.
Sachse is the better pick for families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers.
Side by side
| Rowlett | Sachse | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | B- | A |
| Population | 67,890 | 32,834 |
| Growth since 2020 | +8.5% | +21.1% |
| Median rent | $1,990 | $1,798 |
| Median home value | $368,800 | $406,200 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $2,508 | $2,796 |
| Median household income | $112,081 | $131,808 |
| Property tax per year | $5,867 | $6,873 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 157 | 69 |
| Property crime per 100k | 1,167 | 565 |
| Schools rated A or B | 21% | 83% |
| Average commute | 31 min | 30 min |
| Work from home | 18% | 25% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 38% | 49% |
| Median age | 39.9 years | 39.9 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 95 | 95 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Moderate | High |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Rowlett | Sachse | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | B- (58) | C+ (49) |
| Jobs and income | A- (87) | A- (80) |
| Schools | D- (10) | A- (86) |
| Safety | B (66) | A (90) |
| Errands and things to do | F (7) | B+ (76) |
| Getting around | F (5) | D- (14) |
| Education levels | B- (63) | B (72) |
| Health | B- (59) | B- (60) |
| Home ownership | A (93) | A (93) |
| Internet access | A+ (99) | A- (84) |
Cost of living
Overall costs are close between the two.
Rent is higher in Rowlett: a median of $1,990 a month, 11% higher than Sachse's $1,798.
The median home is worth $368,800 in Rowlett and $406,200 in Sachse. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $2,508 a month against $2,796, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.3 times income in Rowlett and 3.1 times in Sachse.
Commute and location
Commutes average 31 minutes in Rowlett and 30 in Sachse.
The two are about 4 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Sachse has less violent crime. Rowlett reported 157 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Sachse reported 69 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 21% of Rowlett's 14 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 83% of Sachse's 6.
Common questions
Is Rowlett or Sachse better to live in?
Sachse grades higher overall (B- vs A). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Rowlett cheaper than Sachse?
They cost about the same to live in.
Which is safer, Rowlett or Sachse?
Sachse, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.