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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Palmdale is 81% more expensive than Waco.

$1,736/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 37%
$81,151/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 37%
$435,300 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 54%
$1,831/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 40%
165,487
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $638/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $7,656/year.

Median household income is $29,683/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 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

Palmdale vs Waco — common questions

Is Palmdale or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Waco?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $638/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Waco?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $29,683/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palmdale and Waco

Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange