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

Oceanside

California
179
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Oceanside is 149% more expensive than Waco.

$2,207/mo ↑ 101%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 50%
$93,724/yr ↑ 82%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 45%
$702,000 ↑ 252%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 72%
$2,232/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 51%
172,542
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oceanside, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 179 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,109/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $13,308/year.

Median household income is $42,256/year higher in Oceanside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oceanside is $702,000 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

Oceanside vs Waco — common questions

Is Oceanside or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oceanside and Waco?
Median rent in Oceanside is $2,207/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $1,109/month.
Which city has higher income, Oceanside or Waco?
Median household income is $93,724 in Oceanside and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $42,256/year higher in Oceanside.
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 Oceanside or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with median rent of $2,207/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 Oceanside details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oceanside and Waco

Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange