Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK vs Waco, TX (2026)

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Oklahoma City and Waco have a similar cost of living.

$1,083/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 1%
$66,702/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 23%
$215,100 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 7%
$1,133/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 3%
688,693
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
0%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oklahoma City, OK and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,234/year higher in Oklahoma City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oklahoma City is $215,100 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma City's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma City vs Waco — common questions

Is Oklahoma City or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oklahoma City and Waco?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,083/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Oklahoma City or Waco?
Median household income is $66,702 in Oklahoma City and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $15,234/year higher in Oklahoma City.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Texas?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Oklahoma City or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,083/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 Oklahoma City details → View Waco details →

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