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

Visalia

California
104
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Visalia is 32% more expensive than Waco.

$1,397/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 21%
$79,952/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 36%
$340,600 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 41%
$1,509/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 28%
142,649
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Visalia, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $28,484/year higher in Visalia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Visalia is $340,600 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

Visalia vs Waco — common questions

Is Visalia or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Visalia and Waco?
Median rent in Visalia is $1,397/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Visalia or Waco?
Median household income is $79,952 in Visalia and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $28,484/year higher in Visalia.
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 Visalia or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Visalia has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,397/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 Visalia details → View Waco details →