Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Waco, TX (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Portland is 92% more expensive than Waco.

$1,596/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 31%
$88,792/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 42%
$557,600 ↑ 179%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 64%
$1,771/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 38%
642,715
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $498/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $5,976/year.

Median household income is $37,324/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Waco — common questions

Is Portland or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Waco?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $498/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Waco?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $37,324/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Texas?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and Waco

Portland vs. Las Vegas Portland vs. Detroit Portland vs. Boston Portland vs. Memphis Portland vs. Washington Portland vs. Louisville Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange