Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Waco, TX (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Aurora is 81% more expensive than Waco.

$1,759/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 38%
$84,320/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 39%
$444,500 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 55%
$1,762/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 38%
390,201
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $661/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $7,932/year.

Median household income is $32,852/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Waco — common questions

Is Aurora or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Waco?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $661/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Waco?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $32,852/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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 Aurora details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Waco

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange