Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Waco, TX (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Surprise is 75% more expensive than Waco.

$1,917/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 43%
$93,371/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 45%
$396,000 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 50%
$1,587/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 31%
149,519
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $819/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $9,828/year.

Median household income is $41,903/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Waco — common questions

Is Surprise or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Waco?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $819/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Waco?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $41,903/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Waco

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange