Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Columbus is 4% cheaper than Waco.

$1,072/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 2%
$56,622/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 9%
$182,300 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 9%
$1,064/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 3%
204,383
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,154/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Waco — common questions

Is Columbus or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Waco?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Waco?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $5,154/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Texas?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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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More Comparisons

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