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

Escondido

California
163
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Escondido is 126% more expensive than Waco.

$1,922/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 43%
$84,477/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 39%
$663,500 ↑ 232%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 70%
$2,022/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 46%
149,913
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Escondido, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $824/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $9,888/year.

Median household income is $33,009/year higher in Escondido. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Escondido is $663,500 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

Escondido vs Waco — common questions

Is Escondido or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Escondido and Waco?
Median rent in Escondido is $1,922/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $824/month.
Which city has higher income, Escondido or Waco?
Median household income is $84,477 in Escondido and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $33,009/year higher in Escondido.
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 Escondido or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Escondido has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,922/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 Escondido details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Escondido and Waco

Escondido vs. Bellevue Escondido vs. Jackson Escondido vs. Charleston Escondido vs. Joliet Escondido vs. Roseville Escondido vs. Surprise Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange