Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Elk Grove is 133% more expensive than Waco.

$2,180/mo ↑ 99%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 50%
$122,229/yr ↑ 137%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 58%
$603,400 ↑ 202%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 67%
$2,227/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 51%
177,221
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,082/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $12,984/year.

Median household income is $70,761/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Waco — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Waco?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $1,082/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Waco?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $70,761/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Waco

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange