Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Alexandria is 140% more expensive than Waco.

$2,031/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 46%
$113,638/yr ↑ 121%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 55%
$696,800 ↑ 249%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 71%
$2,173/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 50%
156,788
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $933/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $11,196/year.

Median household income is $62,170/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Waco — common questions

Is Alexandria or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Waco?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $933/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Waco?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $62,170/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Waco

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange