Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Waco, TX (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Scottsdale is 129% more expensive than Waco.

$1,910/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 43%
$107,372/yr ↑ 109%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 52%
$709,900 ↑ 256%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 72%
$1,824/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 40%
242,169
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $812/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $9,744/year.

Median household income is $55,904/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Waco — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Waco?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $812/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Waco?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $55,904/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Waco

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