Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs College Station, TX (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Waco is 21% cheaper than College Station.

$1,098/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 6%
$51,468/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$51,776/yr ≈ Same
$199,600 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 64%
$1,094/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 14%
141,925
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $308/year higher in College Station. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs College Station — common questions

Is Waco or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and College Station?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $70/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or College Station?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $308/year higher in College Station.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and College Station

Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette