Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Waco, TX (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Lexington is 14% more expensive than Waco.

$1,101/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ≈ Same
$67,631/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 24%
$272,100 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 27%
$1,160/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 6%
321,122
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,163/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Waco — common questions

Is Lexington or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Waco?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $3/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Waco?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $16,163/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Texas?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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.
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