Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Waco is 53% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,098/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 64%
$51,468/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 120%
$199,600 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 201%
$1,094/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 78%
141,925
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $704/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $8,448/year.

Median household income is $61,928/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Arvada — common questions

Is Waco or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Arvada?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $704/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Arvada?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $61,928/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Colorado?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Arvada details →

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