Cost of Living: Sunnyvale, CA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Sunnyvale is 374% more expensive than Waco.

$3,065/mo ↑ 179%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 64%
$181,862/yr ↑ 253%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 72%
$1,816,600 ↑ 810%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 89%
$3,016/mo ↑ 176%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 64%
153,455
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,967/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $23,604/year.

Median household income is $130,394/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Waco — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Waco?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $1,967/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Waco?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $130,394/year higher in Sunnyvale.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Sunnyvale or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Waco details →

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