Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Waco is 6% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,098/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 3%
$51,468/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 19%
$199,600 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 26%
$1,094/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 3%
141,925
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,986/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Waco or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Lafayette?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $33/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Lafayette?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $9,986/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Lafayette details →

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