Cost of Living in Waco, TX
Population 141,925 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Waco's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $51,468 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Around 24% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waco
The median home value in Waco is $199,600 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,098/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,468/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 78.6°F and lows of 55.6°F. Overall, Waco has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 63 | 70 | 78 | 85 | 93 | 97 | 97 | 91 | 81 | 69 | 60 |
| Low °F | 36 | 40 | 47 | 55 | 63 | 71 | 74 | 74 | 67 | 56 | 46 | 38 |
| Precip" | 2.59 | 2.68 | 3.31 | 3.30 | 4.44 | 3.35 | 1.82 | 2.05 | 2.87 | 4.41 | 2.71 | 2.87 |
| Snow" | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Waco, TX?
Waco has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.
What is average rent in Waco, TX?
The median gross rent in Waco is $1,098 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waco?
The median home value in Waco is $199,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waco?
The median household income in Waco is $51,468 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waco, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waco is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Waco, TX affordable?
Yes, Waco is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Waco?
Waco has average high temperatures of 78.6°F and average lows of 55.6°F. Annual precipitation is 36.4". Average annual snowfall is 0.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Waco at a Glance
- Population
- 141,925
- Median Income
- $51,468
- Home Value
- $199,600
- Median Rent
- $1,098/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 78.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
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Texas Rankings
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