Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Riverside is 100% more expensive than Waco.

$1,812/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 39%
$88,575/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 42%
$542,100 ↑ 172%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 63%
$1,880/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 42%
316,241
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $714/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $8,568/year.

Median household income is $37,107/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Waco — common questions

Is Riverside or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Waco?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $714/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Waco?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $37,107/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Waco details →

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