Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Waco, TX (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Baltimore is 17% more expensive than Waco.

$1,290/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 15%
$59,623/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 14%
$219,300 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 9%
$1,333/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 18%
577,193
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $8,155/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Waco — common questions

Is Baltimore or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Waco?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $192/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Waco?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $8,155/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Texas?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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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