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

Torrance

California
218
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Torrance is 146% more expensive than Waco.

$2,214/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 50%
$113,105/yr ↑ 120%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 54%
$1,036,600 ↑ 419%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 81%
$2,295/mo ↑ 110%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 52%
143,499
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Torrance, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 218 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,116/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $13,392/year.

Median household income is $61,637/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Torrance is $1,036,600 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

Torrance vs Waco — common questions

Is Torrance or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Torrance and Waco?
Median rent in Torrance is $2,214/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $1,116/month.
Which city has higher income, Torrance or Waco?
Median household income is $113,105 in Torrance and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $61,637/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Torrance has a cost index of 218 with median rent of $2,214/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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