Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Lancaster is 72% more expensive than Waco.

$1,696/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 35%
$76,083/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 32%
$409,100 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 51%
$1,746/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 37%
170,013
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $598/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $7,176/year.

Median household income is $24,615/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Waco — common questions

Is Lancaster or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Waco?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $598/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Waco?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $24,615/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Waco

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange