Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Allen, TX (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Waco is 47% cheaper than Allen.

$1,098/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 71%
$51,468/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 151%
$199,600 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 115%
$1,094/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 90%
141,925
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $779/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $9,348/year.

Median household income is $77,662/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Allen — common questions

Is Waco or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Allen?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $779/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Allen?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $77,662/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and Allen

Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago