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

Gainesville

Florida
81
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Gainesville is 12% more expensive than Waco.

$1,214/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 10%
$45,611/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↑ 13%
$235,000 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 15%
$1,167/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 6%
143,611
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

31.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gainesville, FL and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $5,857/year higher in Waco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gainesville is $235,000 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gainesville vs Waco — common questions

Is Gainesville or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gainesville and Waco?
Median rent in Gainesville is $1,214/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, Gainesville or Waco?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $5,857/year higher in Waco.
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 Gainesville or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,214/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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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gainesville and Waco

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