Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Waco, TX (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Fort Lauderdale is 83% more expensive than Waco.

$1,776/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 38%
$79,935/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 36%
$455,600 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 56%
$1,778/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 38%
183,032
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $678/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $8,136/year.

Median household income is $28,467/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Waco — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Waco?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $678/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Waco?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $28,467/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Lauderdale details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

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