Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Waco, TX (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Cary is 88% more expensive than Waco.

$1,621/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 32%
$129,399/yr ↑ 151%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 60%
$525,200 ↑ 163%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 62%
$1,744/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 37%
176,686
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $523/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $6,276/year.

Median household income is $77,931/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Waco — common questions

Is Cary or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Waco?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $523/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Waco?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $77,931/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

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