Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Waco, TX (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Mesa is 49% more expensive than Waco.

$1,478/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 26%
$78,779/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 35%
$364,300 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 45%
$1,404/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 22%
507,478
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $27,311/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Waco — common questions

Is Mesa or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Waco?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Waco?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $27,311/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% 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 Mesa or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

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