Cost of Living: Oakland, CA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Oakland

California
195
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Oakland is 171% more expensive than Waco.

$1,917/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 43%
$97,369/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 47%
$924,700 ↑ 363%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 78%
$2,164/mo ↑ 98%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 49%
438,072
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $819/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $9,828/year.

Median household income is $45,901/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Waco — common questions

Is Oakland or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Waco?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $819/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Waco?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $45,901/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Waco details →

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