Cost of Living: Pasadena, TX vs Waco, TX (2026)

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Pasadena is 6% more expensive than Waco.

$1,201/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 9%
$64,270/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 20%
$193,600 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 3%
$1,141/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 4%
149,345
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $103/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $1,236/year.

Median household income is $12,802/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Waco — common questions

Is Pasadena or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Waco?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $103/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Waco?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $12,802/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/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 Pasadena details → View Waco details →

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