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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Ontario is 111% more expensive than Waco.

$1,916/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 43%
$82,806/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 38%
$568,000 ↑ 185%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 65%
$1,967/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 44%
178,347
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $818/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $9,816/year.

Median household income is $31,338/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 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

Ontario vs Waco — common questions

Is Ontario or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Waco?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $818/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Waco?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $31,338/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Waco

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange