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

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Waco is 123% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,098/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 93%
$51,468/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 102%
$199,600 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 331%
$1,094/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 106%
141,925
Population
141,278

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,026/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $12,312/year.

Median household income is $52,751/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Waco or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Fullerton?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $1,026/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Fullerton?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $52,751/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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