Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Waco, TX (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Waco

Texas
72

New York is 131% more expensive than Waco.

$1,779/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 38%
$79,713/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 35%
$751,700 ↑ 277%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 73%
$1,837/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 40%
8,516,202
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $681/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $8,172/year.

Median household income is $28,245/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Waco — common questions

Is New York or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Waco?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $681/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Waco?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $28,245/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Waco details →

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