Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Atlanta is 69% more expensive than Waco.

$1,617/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 32%
$81,938/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 37%
$420,600 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 53%
$1,695/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 35%
499,287
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $30,470/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Waco — common questions

Is Atlanta or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Waco?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Waco?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $30,470/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Texas?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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.
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