Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Waco, TX (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Cincinnati is 4% cheaper than Waco.

$953/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 15%
$51,707/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$51,468/yr ≈ Same
$215,300 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 7%
$1,041/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 5%
309,595
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $239/year higher in Cincinnati. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Waco — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Waco?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Waco?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $239/year higher in Cincinnati.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Texas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Waco

Cincinnati vs. Santa Ana Cincinnati vs. Irvine Cincinnati vs. Orlando Cincinnati vs. St. Paul Cincinnati vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Newark Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange