Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Waco, TX (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Huntsville is 8% more expensive than Waco.

$1,078/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 2%
$70,778/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 27%
$263,100 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 24%
$1,046/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 5%
218,814
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $19,310/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Waco — common questions

Is Huntsville or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Waco?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $20/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Waco?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $19,310/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Waco

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange