Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Waco, TX (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Salt Lake City is 62% more expensive than Waco.

$1,343/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 18%
$74,925/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 31%
$495,700 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 60%
$1,394/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 22%
203,888
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $23,457/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Waco — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Waco?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Waco?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $23,457/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Texas?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Waco details →

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