Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Waco is 11% cheaper than Hartford.

$1,098/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 11%
$51,468/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 12%
$199,600 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$217,200 ↑ 9%
$1,094/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↑ 17%
141,925
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $6,168/year higher in Waco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Hartford — common questions

Is Waco or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Hartford?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Hartford?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $6,168/year higher in Waco.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Connecticut?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Hartford details →

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