Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Billings, MT (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Waco is 16% cheaper than Billings.

$1,098/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ≈ Same
$51,468/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 40%
$199,600 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 56%
$1,094/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 8%
141,925
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $20,387/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Montana's 6.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Billings — common questions

Is Waco or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Billings?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Billings?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $20,387/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Montana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and Billings

Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston