Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Waco is 57% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,098/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 100%
$51,468/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 99%
$199,600 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 197%
$1,094/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 103%
141,925
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,093/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $13,116/year.

Median household income is $50,853/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Waco or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Fairfield?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,093/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Fairfield?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $50,853/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and Fairfield

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