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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Fort Worth is 35% more expensive than Waco.

$1,412/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 22%
$76,602/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 33%
$277,300 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 28%
$1,489/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 27%
941,311
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $25,134/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Waco — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Waco?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Waco?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $25,134/year higher in Fort Worth.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 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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