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

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Jacksonville is 28% more expensive than Waco.

$1,375/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 20%
$66,981/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 23%
$266,100 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 25%
$1,324/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 17%
961,739
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $15,513/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Waco — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Waco?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Waco?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $15,513/year higher in Jacksonville.
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 Jacksonville or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Waco details →

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