Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Virginia Beach is 62% more expensive than Waco.

$1,649/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 33%
$90,685/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 43%
$366,300 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 46%
$1,704/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 36%
457,066
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $551/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $6,612/year.

Median household income is $39,217/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Waco — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Waco?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $551/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Waco?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $39,217/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Waco details →

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