Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Waco, TX (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Waco

Texas
72

St. Paul is 26% more expensive than Waco.

$1,248/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 12%
$73,055/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 30%
$280,300 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 29%
$1,390/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 21%
307,762
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $21,587/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Waco — common questions

Is St. Paul or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Waco?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Waco?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $21,587/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Texas?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Waco

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