Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Springfield is 10% more expensive than Waco.

$1,114/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 1%
$51,339/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$51,468/yr ≈ Same
$222,700 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 10%
$1,276/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 14%
154,751
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $129/year higher in Waco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Waco — common questions

Is Springfield or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Waco?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Waco?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $129/year higher in Waco.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Waco

Springfield vs. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange