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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Sacramento is 83% more expensive than Waco.

$1,694/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 35%
$83,753/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 39%
$484,600 ↑ 143%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 59%
$1,752/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 38%
524,802
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $596/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $7,152/year.

Median household income is $32,285/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Waco — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 Sacramento and Waco?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $596/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Waco?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $32,285/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Waco details →

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