Santa Ana, CA vs Waco, TX: 163 vs 72

$1,975/mo ↑ 80%

Median Rent

$1,098/mo ↓ 44%

$88,354/yr ↑ 72%

Median Income

$51,468/yr ↓ 42%

$657,800 ↑ 230%

Home Value

$199,600 ↓ 70%

$1,965/mo ↑ 80%

Owner Costs

$1,094/mo ↓ 44%

311,639

Population

141,925

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $877/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $10,524/year.

Median household income is $36,886/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Waco — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Waco cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Waco?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $877/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Waco?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $36,886/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Waco?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Waco

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons