Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Waco is 9% cheaper than Dearborn.

$1,098/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 15%
$51,468/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 27%
$199,600 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$205,900 ↑ 3%
$1,094/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 7%
141,925
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $13,724/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Waco or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Dearborn?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Dearborn?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $13,724/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

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