Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Waco, TX (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Detroit is 26% cheaper than Waco.

$1,034/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 6%
$39,575/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↑ 30%
$76,800 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 160%
$868/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 26%
636,644
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $11,893/year higher in Waco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Waco — common questions

Is Detroit or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Waco?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Waco?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $11,893/year higher in Waco.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Texas?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Waco

Detroit vs. Portland Detroit vs. Memphis Detroit vs. Las Vegas Detroit vs. Louisville Detroit vs. Boston Detroit vs. Baltimore Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange