Cost of Living: Grand Rapids, MI vs Waco, TX (2026)

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Grand Rapids is 10% more expensive than Waco.

$1,191/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 8%
$65,526/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 21%
$225,500 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 11%
$1,136/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 4%
197,768
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Rapids, MI and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $14,058/year higher in Grand Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Rapids is $225,500 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids vs Waco — common questions

Is Grand Rapids or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Rapids and Waco?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Rapids or Waco?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $14,058/year higher in Grand Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Texas?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Grand Rapids or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,191/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 Grand Rapids details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Grand Rapids and Waco

Grand Rapids vs. Montgomery Grand Rapids vs. Sioux Falls Grand Rapids vs. Grand Prairie Grand Rapids vs. Overland Park Grand Rapids vs. Sunrise Manor Grand Rapids vs. Huntington Beach Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange