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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Los Angeles is 160% more expensive than Waco.

$1,879/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 42%
$80,366/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 36%
$879,500 ↑ 341%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 77%
$2,055/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 47%
3,857,897
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $781/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $9,372/year.

Median household income is $28,898/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Waco — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Waco?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $781/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Waco?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $28,898/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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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More Comparisons

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