Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Waco, TX (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Boise is 56% more expensive than Waco.

$1,359/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 19%
$81,308/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 37%
$456,000 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 56%
$1,337/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 18%
235,701
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $29,840/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Waco — common questions

Is Boise or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Waco?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Waco?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $29,840/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Texas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Waco

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange