Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Seattle is 172% more expensive than Waco.

$1,998/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 45%
$121,984/yr ↑ 137%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 58%
$912,100 ↑ 357%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 78%
$2,220/mo ↑ 103%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 51%
741,440
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $900/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $10,800/year.

Median household income is $70,516/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Waco — common questions

Is Seattle or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Waco?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $900/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Waco?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $70,516/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Waco details →

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