Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Boston is 144% more expensive than Waco.

$2,093/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 48%
$94,755/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 46%
$710,400 ↑ 256%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 72%
$2,176/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 50%
663,972
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $995/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $11,940/year.

Median household income is $43,287/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Waco — common questions

Is Boston or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Waco?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $995/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Waco?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $43,287/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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