Santa Rosa, CA vs Waco, TX: 172 vs 72

$2,084/mo ↑ 90%

Median Rent

$1,098/mo ↓ 47%

$97,410/yr ↑ 89%

Median Income

$51,468/yr ↓ 47%

$685,000 ↑ 243%

Home Value

$199,600 ↓ 71%

$2,130/mo ↑ 95%

Owner Costs

$1,094/mo ↓ 49%

177,216

Population

141,925

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $986/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $11,832/year.

Median household income is $45,942/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 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 Rosa vs Waco — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Waco cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Waco?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $986/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Waco?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $45,942/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa or Waco?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa, CA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Santa Rosa

Waco

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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