Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Waco, TX (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Lakewood is 96% more expensive than Waco.

$1,746/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 37%
$85,789/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 40%
$548,200 ↑ 175%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 64%
$1,729/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 37%
156,309
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $648/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $7,776/year.

Median household income is $34,321/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Waco — common questions

Is Lakewood or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Waco?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $648/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Waco?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $34,321/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

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