Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Norfolk is 24% more expensive than Waco.

$1,246/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 12%
$64,017/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 20%
$271,900 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 27%
$1,366/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 20%
235,037
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $12,549/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Waco — common questions

Is Norfolk or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Waco?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $148/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Waco?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $12,549/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Waco details →

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