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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Columbus is 15% more expensive than Waco.

$1,224/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 10%
$65,327/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 21%
$234,500 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 15%
$1,243/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 12%
906,480
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $126/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $1,512/year.

Median household income is $13,859/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 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

Columbus vs Waco — common questions

Is Columbus or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Waco?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $126/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Waco?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $13,859/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Waco

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange