Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Waco is 70% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,098/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 150%
$51,468/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 146%
$199,600 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 421%
$1,094/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 141%
141,925
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,644/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $19,728/year.

Median household income is $75,001/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Waco or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Cambridge?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,644/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Cambridge?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $75,001/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Cambridge details →

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