Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Waco, TX (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Gilbert is 106% more expensive than Waco.

$2,028/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 46%
$121,351/yr ↑ 136%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 58%
$518,600 ↑ 160%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 62%
$1,908/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 43%
271,118
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $930/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $11,160/year.

Median household income is $69,883/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Waco — common questions

Is Gilbert or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Waco?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $930/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Waco?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $69,883/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

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