Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Waco is 46% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,098/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 30%
$51,468/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 33%
$199,600 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 207%
$1,094/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 33%
141,925
Population
114,617

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $333/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $3,996/year.

Median household income is $16,910/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Waco or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $333/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $16,910/year higher in East Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

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