Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Athens, GA (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Waco is 13% cheaper than Athens.

$1,098/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 6%
$51,468/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$51,655/yr ≈ Same
$199,600 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 36%
$1,094/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 6%
141,925
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $187/year higher in Athens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Athens — common questions

Is Waco or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Athens?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Athens?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $187/year higher in Athens.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Georgia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Athens details →

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