Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Waco is 24% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,098/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 11%
$51,468/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↑ 1%
$199,600 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 40%
$1,094/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 11%
141,925
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $702/year higher in Lansing. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Lansing — common questions

Is Waco or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Lansing?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Lansing?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $702/year higher in Lansing.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

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