Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Waco, TX (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Little Rock and Waco have a similar cost of living.

$1,067/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 3%
$60,583/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 15%
$221,200 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 10%
$1,099/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ≈ Same
202,739
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,115/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Waco — common questions

Is Little Rock or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Waco?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Waco?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $9,115/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Texas?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/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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