Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Waco, TX (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Tampa is 57% more expensive than Waco.

$1,567/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 30%
$71,302/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 28%
$375,300 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 47%
$1,553/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 30%
393,389
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $469/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $5,628/year.

Median household income is $19,834/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Waco — common questions

Is Tampa or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Waco?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $469/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Waco?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $19,834/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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.
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