Cost of Living: Killeen, TX vs Waco, TX (2026)

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Killeen is 4% more expensive than Waco.

$1,147/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 4%
$58,339/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 12%
$196,000 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 2%
$1,176/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 7%
156,144
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,871/year higher in Killeen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Waco — common questions

Is Killeen or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Waco?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Waco?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $6,871/year higher in Killeen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Killeen or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Waco

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange