Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Waco, TX (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Denver is 104% more expensive than Waco.

$1,770/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 38%
$91,681/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 44%
$586,700 ↑ 194%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 66%
$1,839/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 41%
713,734
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $672/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $8,064/year.

Median household income is $40,213/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Waco — common questions

Is Denver or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Waco?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $672/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Waco?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $40,213/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

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