Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Waco, TX (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Nashville is 53% more expensive than Waco.

$1,486/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 26%
$75,197/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 32%
$383,100 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 48%
$1,471/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 26%
684,298
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $23,729/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Waco — common questions

Is Nashville or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Waco?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Waco?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $23,729/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville details → View Waco details →

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