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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Fremont is 286% more expensive than Waco.

$2,905/mo ↑ 165%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 62%
$176,350/yr ↑ 243%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 71%
$1,289,400 ↑ 546%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 85%
$3,000/mo ↑ 174%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 64%
228,518
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,807/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $21,684/year.

Median household income is $124,882/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 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

Fremont vs Waco — common questions

Is Fremont or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Waco?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $1,807/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Waco?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $124,882/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Waco

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange