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

Laredo

Texas
67
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Laredo is 7% cheaper than Waco.

$1,001/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 10%
$63,264/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 19%
$182,400 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 9%
$1,066/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 3%
255,949
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Laredo, TX and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $97/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $1,164/year.

Median household income is $11,796/year higher in Laredo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Laredo is $182,400 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Laredo vs Waco — common questions

Is Laredo or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Laredo and Waco?
Median rent in Laredo is $1,001/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $97/month.
Which city has higher income, Laredo or Waco?
Median household income is $63,264 in Laredo and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $11,796/year higher in Laredo.
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 Laredo or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Laredo has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,001/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 Laredo details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

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