St. Louis, MO vs Waco, TX: 66 vs 72

$978/mo ↓ 11%

Median Rent

$1,098/mo ↑ 12%

$55,279/yr ↑ 7%

Median Income

$51,468/yr ↓ 7%

$185,100 ↓ 7%

Home Value

$199,600 ↑ 8%

$1,013/mo ↓ 7%

Owner Costs

$1,094/mo ↑ 8%

293,109

Population

141,925

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $3,811/year higher in St. Louis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Waco — common questions

Is St. Louis or Waco cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 72 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Waco?

Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $120/month.

Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Waco?

Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $3,811/year higher in St. Louis.

How do taxes compare between Missouri and Texas?

Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.

Should I move to St. Louis or Waco?

It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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: St. Louis, MO vs Waco, TX (2026)

St. Louis

Waco

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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