Cost of Living: Port St. Lucie, FL vs Waco, TX (2026)

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Port St. Lucie is 57% more expensive than Waco.

$1,781/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 38%
$78,137/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 34%
$327,700 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 39%
$1,507/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 27%
220,453
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Port St. Lucie, FL and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $683/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $8,196/year.

Median household income is $26,669/year higher in Port St. Lucie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Port St. Lucie is $327,700 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Port St. Lucie vs Waco — common questions

Is Port St. Lucie or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Port St. Lucie and Waco?
Median rent in Port St. Lucie is $1,781/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $683/month.
Which city has higher income, Port St. Lucie or Waco?
Median household income is $78,137 in Port St. Lucie and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $26,669/year higher in Port St. Lucie.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Port St. Lucie or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,781/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 Port St. Lucie details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Port St. Lucie and Waco

Port St. Lucie vs. Tacoma Port St. Lucie vs. Spring Valley Port St. Lucie vs. San Bernardino Port St. Lucie vs. Huntsville Port St. Lucie vs. Hialeah Port St. Lucie vs. Modesto Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange