Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Waco is 31% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,098/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 40%
$51,468/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 25%
$199,600 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 63%
$1,094/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 29%
141,925
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $441/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $5,292/year.

Median household income is $12,972/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Waco or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Clearwater?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $441/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Clearwater?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $12,972/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

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Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville