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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Fort Collins is 90% more expensive than Waco.

$1,661/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 34%
$83,598/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 38%
$548,400 ↑ 175%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 64%
$1,692/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 35%
169,705
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $563/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $6,756/year.

Median household income is $32,130/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 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

Fort Collins vs Waco — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Waco?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $563/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Waco?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $32,130/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 Fort Collins or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Waco

Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange