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

Salinas

California
156
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Salinas is 117% more expensive than Waco.

$1,923/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 43%
$89,150/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 42%
$610,900 ↑ 206%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 67%
$1,912/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 43%
161,993
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salinas, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 156 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $825/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $9,900/year.

Median household income is $37,682/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salinas is $610,900 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

Salinas vs Waco — common questions

Is Salinas or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salinas and Waco?
Median rent in Salinas is $1,923/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $825/month.
Which city has higher income, Salinas or Waco?
Median household income is $89,150 in Salinas and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $37,682/year higher in Salinas.
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 Salinas or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Salinas has a cost index of 156 with median rent of $1,923/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 Salinas details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salinas and Waco

Salinas vs. Palmdale Salinas vs. Hayward Salinas vs. Springfield Salinas vs. Corona Salinas vs. Fort Collins Salinas vs. Paterson Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange