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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Louisville and Waco have a similar cost of living.

$1,069/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 3%
$64,731/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 20%
$221,500 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 10%
$1,118/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 2%
627,210
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY 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 $13,263/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 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

Louisville vs Waco — common questions

Is Louisville 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 Louisville and Waco?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Waco?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $13,263/year higher in Louisville.
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 Louisville or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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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