Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Waco, TX (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Durham is 46% more expensive than Waco.

$1,412/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 22%
$79,234/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 35%
$355,300 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 44%
$1,434/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 24%
288,465
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $27,766/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Waco — common questions

Is Durham or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Waco?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Waco?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $27,766/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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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