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

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Waco is 71% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,098/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 94%
$51,468/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 111%
$199,600 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 577%
$1,094/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 114%
141,925
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,029/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $12,348/year.

Median household income is $57,090/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Waco or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Berkeley?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,029/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Berkeley?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $57,090/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Berkeley details →

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