Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Pittsburgh is 6% more expensive than Waco.

$1,221/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 10%
$64,137/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 20%
$193,200 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 3%
$1,136/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 4%
303,620
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $12,669/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Waco — common questions

Is Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh and Waco?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Waco?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $12,669/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Texas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Waco details →

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