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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Plano is 83% more expensive than Waco.

$1,792/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 39%
$108,649/yr ↑ 111%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 53%
$440,600 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 55%
$1,829/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 40%
287,339
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $694/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $8,328/year.

Median household income is $57,181/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Waco — common questions

Is Plano or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Waco?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $694/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Waco?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $57,181/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Waco

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange