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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Arlington is 182% more expensive than Waco.

$2,275/mo ↑ 107%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 52%
$140,160/yr ↑ 172%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 63%
$864,800 ↑ 333%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 77%
$2,414/mo ↑ 121%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 55%
235,463
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,177/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $14,124/year.

Median household income is $88,692/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 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

Arlington vs Waco — common questions

Is Arlington or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Waco?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $1,177/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Waco?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $88,692/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Waco details →

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