Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Waco, TX (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Raleigh is 53% more expensive than Waco.

$1,468/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 25%
$82,424/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 38%
$377,800 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 47%
$1,487/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 26%
470,763
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $30,956/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Waco — common questions

Is Raleigh or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Waco?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Waco?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $30,956/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Waco details →

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